Paramount and CBS News are preparing for mediation over a lawsuit brought by President Trump, who accuses '60 Minutes' of deceptive editing in an interview with Kamala Harris. Paramount is considering a settlement, which has upset CBS's news division, particularly after the abrupt resignation of Bill Owens, the executive producer of '60 Minutes', due to perceived encroachments on journalistic independence. Tensions escalated following '60 Minutes' coverage of politically sensitive topics, with Trump reacting angrily and Paramount’s controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, expressing concerns over future segments. Owens's resignation highlighted internal frustrations about corporate interference, and Paramount's potential settlement echoes previous high-profile defamation settlements involving Trump. The ongoing situation has left '60 Minutes' staff worried about future editorial independence, as corporate influence looms over upcoming broadcasts on controversial topics.

Paramount and President Trump's legal teams are set to mediate a lawsuit accusing '60 Minutes' of deceptive editing regarding an interview with Kamala Harris, with Paramount considering settlement options despite legal experts deeming the suit baseless.

Bill Owens, executive producer of '60 Minutes', resigned following Paramount’s perceived encroachment on journalistic independence, as the company prepares for a potential settlement, which has caused dismay within CBS’s news division.

Owens faced increasing pressure after Shari Redstone, Paramount's controlling shareholder, raised concerns about '60 Minutes' segments on the Middle East and Trump, leading to an additional review layer, which Owens believed threatened the program's autonomy.

The resignation was catalyzed by Owens's frustration with corporate interference, particularly after Redstone's inquiries into politically sensitive segments, which Owens felt would compromise the show's integrity and independence.

The media industry is witnessing a pattern of high-profile settlements involving Trump, with ABC News previously paying $16 million to settle a defamation case, setting a precedent that Paramount might follow.

Owens's emotional departure underscored fears of losing journalistic freedom, as highlighted by Scott Pelley's public acknowledgment of corporate interference during a '60 Minutes' telecast, directly naming Paramount.

With the looming threat of corporate oversight, '60 Minutes' producers remain concerned about potential meddling in upcoming segments covering conflicts between major law firms and the Trump administration, fearing further loss of editorial control.