Paramount faces unusual criticism from his own news show 60 minutes On Sunday night, as American media groups sought approval for a $8 billion merger from Donald Trump's media regulator.
In the "Last Minute" section at the end of the hour-long broadcast, Scott Pelley, one of its top broadcasters, told viewers that Paramount began "supervising our content in a new way" after explaining that "our parent company Paramount is trying to complete the merger... The Trump administration must approve it.
Pelley's surprise condemnation came in two minutes, explaining its executive producer Bill Owens' decision to withdraw last week. "In the past few months, it's obvious that when he announced his departure, I will not allow me to perform on the show," Owens told the staff.
"None of our stories were stopped, but Bill felt he lost the independence that honest news required," Paley said Sunday.
Paramount is seeking regulatory approval to merge with Skydance, a Hollywood studio run by David Ellison and backed by his Silicon Valley billionaire father Larry Ellison (a friend of Trump).
Paramount is currently negotiating with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr about the benefits the studio must make.
The negotiations took place as the production company also fought Trump for legal battles over CBS. Trump sues News Broadcaster, owned by Paramount 60 minutes Last year, he interviewed his opponent Kamala Harris in last year's White House game.
Trump's lawyers and Paramount will arbitrate the dispute on April 30. The Financial Times previously reported that executives of Paramount and controlling shareholder Sally Redstone have considered a settlement or apology with Trump.
Paramount did not comment immediately.
Pelley said Sunday that Owens’ decision reflects his reputation as one of the most respected producers on American television. "He did it for us and you. The story of the 57 years we pursued is often controversial - more recently, the Israeli-Gaza War and the Trump administration. Bill made sure they were accurate and fair. That way he was tough."
Last month, Trump attacked 60 minutes After playing stories about Ukraine and Greenland, in his social media platform Truth, said: "Almost 60 minutes a week, it's billions of dollars in prosecution...referring to the name "Trump" in a derogatory and defamatory way."
He added: "They should lose their permits! Hopefully, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by its highly respected chairman Brendan Carr, will impose the greatest fines and penalties for their illegal and illegal acts."
Trump escalated his attacks in the media, saying he believed he had acted against the administration and even criticized reports from some more right-leaning broadcasters, such as Fox.
In a recent post on his social media site, he wrote: "Rupert Murdoch has told me for years that he will get rid of his own fox news, Trump hates, fake poller, but he never does. But this "poller" has gotten me and Maga into something wrong.