Ex-‘60 Minutes’ boss Bill Owens wants to launch rival news show with Scott Pelley, other fired staffers: sources

Former '60 Minutes' executive Bill Owens is attempting to establish a competing news program, according to reports from several media outlets. Sources cited by the New York Post indicate that Owens intends to collaborate with Scott Pelley and other staff members who were previously fired from the program. This initiative aims to create a new production entity that would essentially act as a rival to the established news show. The movement is characterized as a gathering of former producers and correspondents who are now working in exile from their previous roles at the network. Coverage from TV News Check emphasizes the financial scale of the project, reporting that Owens is looking to raise $50 million to fund the new show.

This outlet specifically highlights that the project would possibly star Scott Pelley, a prominent figure associated with the original program. The Hollywood Reporter describes the situation as producers and correspondents plotting their own show, while Yahoo News has raised questions regarding whether Owens is actively recruiting Pelley for this specific venture. Together, these reports paint a picture of a coordinated effort by former leadership and talent to rebuild their presence in the news industry. To understand why this development is significant, readers must recognize the status of the individuals involved and the nature of their departure. The reports specify that the group consists of fired staffers, including the former boss of '60 Minutes,' which suggests a systemic exit of leadership and talent.

The ambition to raise a substantial sum of $50 million indicates an attempt to compete at a high production level rather than starting a small-scale digital project. The involvement of a high-profile correspondent like Scott Pelley adds significant credibility and potential viewership to the proposed rival show. Looking forward, the primary focus will be on whether Bill Owens successfully secures the $50 million in funding required for the launch. Observers will also be monitoring whether Scott Pelley and the other mentioned fired staffers formally commit to the project, as current reports only state that Owens wants to launch the show with them or is potentially recruiting them. Further details regarding the format of the news show, its distribution platform, and the specific list of former '60 Minutes' producers and correspondents involved remain to be specified in future coverage.