Ex-60 Minutes Producer Bill Owens Joins Video Startup After Leaving CBS

Bill Owens, the former executive producer of CBS's "60 Minutes," announced Thursday he is joining Newpress, a video journalism startup, as its executive producer. Owens departed his role at "60 Minutes" in 2023, citing concerns about journalistic independence amid a lawsuit filed by then-President Donald Trump and the network's merger with Skydance Media.

Owens stated that he felt he 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." He described his departure as a step aside so the show could continue its work, emphasizing its importance to the country.

Founded in 2024 by Iz Harris and Johnny Harris, Newpress aims to support independent creators publishing video journalism on platforms like YouTube. The company provides creators with research, fact-checking, production, and business support, sharing profits from advertising and a $5 monthly membership.

Owens expressed a desire to pursue "truth" and a focus on reaching younger audiences who consume news on digital platforms. He noted that independent journalists on YouTube have "millions of followers in a demographic that I've been chasing for decades," adding that his own adult children get their news from these sources.

Newpress recently secured $12 million in funding led by Emerson Collective, an investment firm associated with Laurene Powell Jobs. The startup plans to use these funds to develop new shows and expand into newsletters and podcasting.

Owens is scheduled to begin his new role on March 1, following the expiration of his noncompete agreement with CBS. He will be involved in recruiting new journalists and developing story concepts for Newpress creators.