(DCNF)—Amid promises of change, CBS News replaced its embattled “60 Minutes” executive producer — who oversaw the edited Kamala Harris interview — with another registered Democrat.
CBS News announced Thursday that “60 Minutes” interim executive producer Tanya Simon would become the official executive producer, replacing Bill Owens. Simon, who is the daughter of the late CBS News correspondent Bob Simon, has been a veteran of the show for 25 years and is now its fourth executive producer in the show’s decades-long history.
“Tanya Simon understands what makes 60 MINUTES tick. She is an innovative leader, an exceptional producer and someone who knows how to inspire people,” president and executive editor of CBS News Tom Cibrowski said in a press release. “Tanya knows that the success of today’s 60 MINUTES depends on delivering a weekly mix of the most informative, impactful and entertaining stories and investigative journalism from around the world. This is the true essence and foundation of 60 MINUTES.”
However, with CBS’ parent company, Paramount Global, officially securing its acquisition Thursday and vowing change at the network, Simon appears to be the same kind of leader as those in the past. Registered as a Democrat, Simon’s husband Evan Garfein has also donated a total of $2,320 to Democratic candidates and committees between 2019 to 2024, according to the Federal Election Commission.
According to public donation records, Garfein’s latest contribution was made in November 2024 to the major Democrat fundraising platform ActBlue for $100, with his largest donation made in 2019 to former Democratic presidential candidate John Hickenlooper.
The announcement for Simon comes just months after Owens announced his departure from the show in April, saying that “60 Minutes” had lost journalistic independence. His exit came as Paramount was in acquisition talks with American media production and finance company Skydance, and amid a lawsuit from President Donald Trump.
In October 2024, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS after the network quietly edited an interview with Harris — allegedly to favor the then-vice president — as the campaigns were just a month out from Election Day.
At the time of the interview’s release, a clip of Harris’ exchange with “60 Minutes” correspondent Bill Whitaker was posted on a Sunday and made her response appear more concise compared to the full segment released a day later. Notably, also at the time of the interview’s release, Simon had been the show’s executive editor since April 2019, according to her LinkedIn profile.
After Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Bredan Carr opened an investigation into the issue, CBS News released the full, unedited version of Harris’ interview in February. Additionally, vocal callouts of Owens began to circulate after the New York Post’s editorial board said that CBS News could fix its “lefty-propaganda problem” by cutting Owens loose.
Owens reportedly refused to apologize for the editing decisions made, allegedly telling staff that the company knew he wouldn’t be saying sorry for anything the show had done, according to The New York Times. Upon Owen’s departure, the former executive producer sent a memo to his staff, saying that it was “clear” he would “not be allowed to run the show” as he “always” had.
“To make independent decisions based on what was right for 60 Minutes, right for the audience. So, having defended this show- and what we stand for — from every angle, over time with everything I could, I am stepping aside so the show can move forward,” Owens wrote.
“Look, I have worked at CBS News for 37 years, more than half of that at 60 Minutes, I have been shot at and threatened with jail for protecting a source. I have overseen more than 600 stories as Executive Producer of 60,” Owens added. “I know who I am and what I have don[e] to cover the most important stories of our time under difficult conditions.”
On Tuesday, Trump announced on Truth Social that CBS and its parent company had agreed to pay an additional $20 million on top of the $16 million they had already agreed to contribute toward his presidential library, bringing the total settlement to $36 million.
CBS said it made cuts to shows like late-night host Stephen Colbert’s due to financial concerns. Skydance secured its acquisition of Paramount Global, which includes subsidiaries such as the CBS broadcast network, Paramount Pictures, and Nickelodeon. The official deal was made after Skydance pledged on Tuesday to do away with Paramount’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
In a letter sent to Carr, the company vowed to dismantle all DEI initiatives in place, which comes after a slew of private companies have followed Trump’s executive order eliminating DEI policies at the federal level.
Upon the announcement of the acquisition, Carr posted a statement to X, calling out how Americans “no longer trust the legacy national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly.”
“It is time for a change. That is why I welcome Skydance’s commitment to make significant changes at the once storied CBS broadcast network,” Carr wrote. “In particular, Skydance has made written commitments to ensure that the new company’s programming embodies a diversity of viewpoints from across the political and ideological spectrum.”
In addition to seeking to eliminate DEI policies, Skydance also committed to “addressing bias & restoring fact-based reporting” and “investing in trusted local news.”
“These changes would represent an important step towards earning back Americans’ trust. Will be watching,” Carr wrote on X.
CBS News and Simon did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.