Bill Owens, the executive producer of "60 Minutes," informed the show's staff that he would not apologize as part of any potential settlement in a lawsuit filed by President Trump against CBS. This information was shared by individuals familiar with the remarks.
Owens' comments came as CBS's parent company, Paramount, continued to pursue settlement talks with Mr. Trump. The president is accusing the network of deceptively editing an interview with his rival, the Democratic candidate for president, Kamala Harris. Many legal experts have described the lawsuit as far-fetched and baseless.
"There have been reports in the media about a settlement and/or apology," Mr. Owens said, according to two people who heard his remarks. "The company knows I will not apologize for anything we have done."
Many Paramount executives believe a settlement would increase the odds that the Trump administration would approve a pending multibillion-dollar merger with another company. Shari Redstone, Paramount's controlling shareholder, supports the effort.
7 Comments
Raphael
It's infuriating to see a major network dismiss these allegations so casually.
Michelangelo
Bill Owens is just doubling down on arrogance. CBS should be held accountable!
Leonardo
the truth matters more than ego.
Donatello
Bravo to CBS for focusing on truth instead of a cheap apology!
Raphael
Owens is showing that journalistic integrity is more important than appeasing critics.
Leonardo
Good for Owens! He’s protecting the journalistic standards we need!
Michelangelo
It's refreshing to see someone in media refuse to cave to baseless demands.