• 60 Minutes staff almost quit after Donald Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News sparked intense internal conflict and leadership resignations.
• Lesley Stahl criticized Paramount’s Shari Redstone for pressuring journalists and interfering with editorial decisions, especially during political coverage.
• Despite high-level resignations and corporate pressure, Stahl hopes Skydance Media will respect press freedom if the merger goes through.

Lesley Stahl recently shared that the 60 Minutes team came very close to quitting together. She spoke about the internal crisis during an interview on The New Yorker Radio Hour. The issue started after Donald Trump sued CBS News for $20 billion. Trump claimed that 60 Minutes edited an interview with Kamala Harris in a way that made her look better. Stahl said this lawsuit created serious tension inside the newsroom. She admitted that their former boss, Bill Owens, had to talk the staff out of quitting “en masse.”

Stahl Criticizes Paramount and Shari Redstone Directly

Stahl did not hold back when asked about her feelings toward Paramount’s leadership. She pointed the finger at Shari Redstone, the head of Paramount. Stahl said she felt angry about how Redstone handled the lawsuit and the pressure on the newsroom. Stahl explained that Trump’s lawsuit had no real legal value. She called it “frivolous” and suggested it was meant to scare reporters into silence. “There aren’t any damages,” she said. “He accused us of helping Kamala Harris win, but he won the election.”

Paramount’s Business Deal Adds Pressure to Settle

At the same time, Paramount is trying to merge with Skydance Media. If the deal goes through, Redstone could personally earn $530 million. But the deal needs the approval of federal officials, many of whom were appointed by Trump. Paramount tried to make the lawsuit go away by offering Trump $15 million. Trump said no. He claimed the interview caused him “mental anguish.” He now wants $25 million and a public apology. This financial demand has only made things worse behind the scenes.

Top Executives Resign Over Network’s Handling

Tension reached its peak when two top executives left CBS News. Bill Owens, the longtime executive producer of 60 Minutes, and Wendy McMahon, the president of CBS News, both resigned. Stahl said Owens’ departure was shocking and painful. “It was one of those punches where you almost can’t breathe,” she said. She called Owens and McMahon “barriers” who protected journalists from corporate influence. Their resignations left the 60 Minutes team feeling exposed.

Redstone Tried to Interfere With News Coverage

Stahl said this wasn’t the first time Redstone pushed back on the show’s editorial choices. She recalled pressure related to their coverage of Gaza. Orders came from Redstone through McMahon and then to Owens. Stahl said she and the team “quietly resisted” these corporate complaints. But the interference made her deeply uncomfortable. She said, “It steps on the First Amendment. It steps on the freedom of the press.” She questioned whether any corporation should control a news operation.

Hope for Independence Under Skydance Ownership

Looking ahead, Stahl shared her hopes for 60 Minutes under new ownership. If the merger with Skydance succeeds, the program will move out of Redstone’s hands. Stahl said she feels “Pollyannaish” about it but believes Skydance will respect press freedom. “I’m expecting that. I’m hoping that. I want that. I’m praying for that,” she said. Stahl added that she has no reason to think otherwise right now. She hopes the new owners understand the value of independent journalism.

Staff Almost Quit Together But Stayed for Now

Remnick asked Stahl what would make her leave the show. Stahl said she has a line, even if she can’t describe it clearly. She said Owens’ resignation came very close to crossing that line. In fact, the entire 60 Minutes team thought about quitting together. They had serious conversations about it. But in the end, Owens convinced them not to walk out. Stahl said staying wasn’t easy. She admitted it’s hard when a corporation tells a newsroom what to report or what not to report.

Journalists Continue to Fight for Editorial Control

Stahl believes the current situation challenges the very core of journalism. She said reporters should not face pressure from corporate bosses to change or cancel stories. “It is hard,” she said. “Really hard.” She stressed that protecting press freedom is more important than ever. Stahl and her team want to keep reporting the truth without fear or influence. For now, they remain at 60 Minutes, hoping that things will change for the better under Skydance.