[NYPOST] ''60 Minutes'' executive producer Bill Owens abruptly quit on Tuesday, citing a loss of journalistic independence as CBS' parent company, Paramount Global, looks to settle a lawsuit from President Trump.''Over the past months, it has become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it, to make independent decisions based on what was right for '60 Minutes,' right for the audience,'' Owens wrote in a memo to staff that was obtained by The Post.
He added: ''So, having defended this show — and what we stand for — from every angle, over time with everything I could, I am stepping aside so the show can move forward.''
CBS insiders have speculated for months that Owens, who is just the third person to helm the iconic Sunday evening news magazine in its 57-year history, could be on the hot seat.
Earlier this month, Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission, has pledged to fast-track an investigation into CBS over alleged political bias. Last month, Carr rejected a bid by CBS to dismiss the complaint against the network.
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