For decades, “60 Minutes” stood tall as the gold standard of American broadcast journalism—where investigative storytelling met public trust.
But behind the polished exterior, cracks are forming fast. The show is now caught in a whirlwind of resignations, lawsuits, and editorial controversies that could seriously damage its credibility.
Let’s break down how one of the most iconic names in news has found itself in such chaos—and what could be next.
Resignation Shakes the Foundation
It all started with the sudden departure of longtime executive producer Bill Owens, who left his role with little warning.
Insiders say his exit wasn’t just about personal choice—it was deeply connected to growing interference from the network’s corporate owner, Paramount Global.
Owens apparently felt his journalistic independence was being compromised.
And it wasn’t just quiet discontent—his departure would soon be publicly aired in a way no one expected.
Scott Pelley Goes Off Script On-Air
In a dramatic moment at the end of last Sunday’s episode, veteran anchor Scott Pelley stunned viewers with an unfiltered monologue.
Without naming names directly, he made it clear that corporate meddling was changing how “60 Minutes” operates.
Pelley pointed out that content was being supervised in “new ways,” hinting that journalistic freedom was under threat.
He linked Owens’ resignation to the fact that the show was no longer being run with the same editorial independence it once championed.
Staff at CBS were caught off guard. According to sources, Pelley’s on-air comments weren’t shared ahead of time—even among fellow producers.
The internal mood reportedly went from tense to outright panicked as executives scrambled to handle the fallout.
A Lawsuit with Trump Looms Large
While all this internal drama unfolded, an external bombshell was dropped.
The New York Times revealed that CBS’s parent company, Paramount, is currently negotiating with Donald Trump’s legal team over a $10 billion lawsuit.
Trump alleges that “60 Minutes” deceptively edited a 2020 interview with then-candidate Kamala Harris, making her look more competent and coherent than she was in real time.
The timing couldn’t be more complex—especially with Paramount reportedly seeking a major sale to a Hollywood studio, a move that would need approval from the very administration Trump could return to lead.
Journalism or PR? Critics Speak Out
Former CBS News investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge hasn’t held back in criticizing the show’s current direction.
She says that what once was a powerhouse of investigative journalism is now plagued by poor editorial judgment and politically sensitive decisions.
Herridge pointed to the infamous Hunter Biden laptop interview from 2020, where “60 Minutes” cast doubt on the story’s credibility.
The network later admitted the laptop was real—but by then, the damage to its reputation had already been done.
Editing Under Fire Again
The Kamala Harris interview isn’t the only controversy.
Earlier this year, “60 Minutes” came under fire from the Anti-Defamation League over a segment that featured critiques of U.S. support for Israel without offering balanced perspectives.
Now, the FCC is involved, requesting the full transcript of the Harris interview.
CBS has claimed the edits were made for clarity, but critics argue the result was far from neutral.
According to Herridge, Harris’s confused and meandering responses were edited into a clean, persuasive soundbite that didn’t match reality.
And it’s raising even more questions. If the network gave Harris that kind of editorial support, did they do the same for President Joe Biden during his interviews? Herridge believes there’s reason to suspect they may have edited out moments that showed signs of his cognitive decline.
A Legacy at a Crossroads
The “60 Minutes” brand has taken hits before—but insiders suggest this crisis feels different.
With morale low, lawsuits looming, and trust eroding, the future of the show looks more uncertain than ever.
As Paramount reportedly gears up to settle Trump’s case, some hope this could be a turning point—a moment to reset and return to the fearless journalism the show was once known for.
But in the eyes of many, the damage may already be done.
One thing is clear: what happens next will define whether “60 Minutes” can reclaim its reputation or fade into the background as just another casualty of corporate influence and political pressure.