Scott Pelley Criticizes Paramount After Bill Owens' Resignation

Scott Pelley, a prominent '60 Minutes' correspondent, publicly rebuked Paramount, the program's parent company, during a broadcast following the resignation of longtime executive producer Bill Owens. Pelley stated that although none of the show's stories had been blocked, new forms of corporate supervision had undermined the editorial independence essential to honest journalism—a sentiment Owens reportedly shared and which contributed to his departure. The on-air criticism comes as Paramount seeks regulatory approval for a high-stakes merger, with some suggesting that editorial decisions may be influenced by a desire to avoid political controversy during this process. The situation has sparked concern and unrest among '60 Minutes' staff, who fear that continued corporate interference may further erode the show's journalistic integrity. Paramount has not commented publicly on either Owens's resignation or Pelley's remarks. The episode marks a rare and dramatic instance of a leading news anchor directly challenging corporate oversight in front of a national audience.