Dear John,
Last week, a major figure in American journalism took a stand; and it’s a warning we can’t afford to ignore.
Bill Owens, longtime executive producer of 60 Minutes, resigned from his post, citing a loss of editorial independence. In his words, he could no longer make decisions based on what was best for 60 Minutes and its viewers. Instead, corporate leadership was prioritizing business interests, and political appeasement.
What’s happening behind the scenes is alarming.
Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS News, is seeking approval for an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. But in today’s climate, regulatory approval increasingly depends on political loyalty. Under the Trump administration, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been weaponized to scrutinize media companies perceived as critical of Trump, putting corporate pressure on journalistic outlets to fall in line.
In the case of 60 Minutes, the pressure is already being felt.
Trump has filed a $20 billion lawsuit against CBS, alleging bias after a tough interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Legal experts view the case as baseless, but the threat is clear: challenge Trump, and face massive retaliation.
Rather than defend its newsroom, Paramount appears to be moving toward settlement, a move designed to smooth the merger process by appeasing Trump’s administration. In doing so, they are signaling that corporate mergers matter more than journalistic integrity.
Owens’ resignation is a powerful reminder of the stakes. He refused to stay silent as political considerations crept into editorial decision-making. Meanwhile, 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley publicly confirmed that the newsroom is deeply concerned, warning that while stories have not yet been censored, independence is under serious threat.
This is bigger than one network or one merger. It is part of a larger, deeply troubling trend.
Across the country, media consolidation is shrinking the space for independent journalism. Political leaders are openly pressuring news outlets to serve their interests. Corporate executives, motivated by profit and power, are too often willing to trade journalistic principles for regulatory favors.
We cannot have a functioning democracy without a free and independent press.
Trump’s efforts to punish and control the media are a threat to every American’s right to know the truth. And the corporations that enable this behavior are helping to undermine the foundation of our democracy.
We must meet this moment with resolve.
If you believe in protecting the free press, and ensuring that journalism answers to the people, not political power, we invite you to stand with us.
Thank you for being part of this fight.
The No Dem Left Behind Team
