Top '60 Minutes' producer resigns from show, cites lack of independence

Top "60 Minutes" producer Bill Owens abruptly resigned from the program on Tuesday, saying he no longer had sufficient independence to run the program how he wanted.

"Over the past months, it has also become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it," he wrote in a memo to staff obtained by Fox News Digital. "To make independent decisions based on what was right for 60 Minutes, right for the audience. 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. 

"The show is too important to the country, it has to continue, just not with me as the Executive Producer."

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CBS News President Wendy McMahon praised Owens in a message to staff.

"As Executive Producer, Bill has led 60 Minutes with unwavering integrity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to the truth," she wrote. "He has championed the kind of journalism that informs, enlightens, and often changes the national conversation.  His dedication to finding and nurturing talent will be felt across CBS News for years."

The news comes as "60 Minutes" and CBS are embroiled in a lawsuit launched by President Donald Trump over an interview of then-Vice President Kamala Harris on the show last year. The show aired different parts of Harris' response to a question on separate nights.

Trump has said CBS should lose its broadcast license and accused it of "fraudulent" reporting.

According to the New York Times, which first reported on Owens' resignation, Owens said earlier this year that he would not apologize for the Harris segment as part of any settlement with Trump.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates…