Featured Image Credit: CBS
Topics: Donald Trump, News, US News, Film and TV
Gerrard Kaonga
The host of 60 Minutes didn’t shy away from taking shots at Paramount as he makes complaints about taking away the show’s independence.
In the latest episode of the long running show 60 Minutes, host Scott Pelley praised his former boss and took issue with CBS News’ parent company, Paramount.
In his rant at the end of the show, he argued that because of a business deal that requires the White House’s approval, those working on the show were being squeezed regarding how they report on topics.
Pelley noted that the show often focuses on controversial topics, including the conduct and behavior of both president Donald Trump and his administration.
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He said: “In tonight’s Last Minute a note on Bill Owens who, until this past week, was the executive producer of 60 Minutes.
“He was our boss, Bill was with CBS news almost 40 years, 26 years at 60 Minutes.
“He covered the world, covered combat, the White House, his was a quest to open minds, not close them.”
Pelley continued to praise his former boss and insisted he was a cornerstone in what made the program work.
He then turned his comments to the parent company Paramount and accused it of hampering the work they were trying to do on the show.
The show host added that Owens made the difficult decision to resign as he felt they were losing the ‘independence’.
Pelley said: “Stories that we pursued for 57 years are often controversial, lately the Israel and Gaza war and the Donald Trump administration.
“Bill made sure they were accurate and fair, he was tough that way.
“But our parent company Paramount is trying to complete a merger, the Trump administration must approve it.
“Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways, none of our stories have been blocked but Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires.
“No one here is happy about it but in resigning Bill proved one thing, he was the right person to lead 60 minutes all along.”
Donald Trump has previously taken aim at 60 Minutes and posted on his social media platform that they were a ‘dishonest Political Operative simply disguised as ‘News’.
Trump is seeking $20 billion in a lawsuit against CBS, alleging election interference over its handling of a '60 Minutes' interview last year with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
UNILAD has contacted Paramount and CBS News for comment.