Former 60 Minutes Team Reportedly Explores New Streaming News Show

Former 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens is reportedly exploring a new streaming newsmagazine alongside several former CBS colleagues, while Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi begin new academic roles at Columbia University.

Former Team Reportedly Weighs a New Chapter

Industry chatter suggests Bill Owens has explored raising funding for a new long-form news program that could eventually be sold to a streaming platform.
Reports claim the project includes a presentation for potential investors and a fundraising target of $50 million. However, a person close to Owens has disputed those claims, saying the reported plans are not accurate.
The speculation arrives after significant changes at 60 Minutes, where several longtime journalists departed as the iconic newsmagazine reshaped its lineup.

Major Changes Reshaped 60 Minutes

Owens stepped down ahead of Paramount's takeover by Skydance, while veteran correspondent Scott Pelley exited following internal tensions involving the program's new leadership.
CBS also parted ways with correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega as the program introduced new faces, including Ross Douthat, Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni, and Norah O'Donnell alongside remaining correspondents Bill Whitaker, Lesley Stahl, and Jon Wertheim.
The shake-up marked one of the most significant transitions in the show's history, fueling speculation about where its former journalists might land next.

Can Streaming Support a Traditional Newsmagazine?

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Even if a new project moves forward, launching a premium investigative newsmagazine in today's streaming landscape presents major challenges.
Most leading streaming platforms have prioritized documentaries, true crime, and podcast-style programming instead of regularly scheduled television news. Producing an investigative series independently would also require substantial financial backing and a sustainable distribution model.
While no official streaming partnership has been announced, the reported discussions have sparked interest across the media industry.

Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi Join Columbia University

Regardless of any future television plans, both Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi are already preparing for their next professional chapter.
Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism announced the pair will serve as Journalists-in-Residence, mentoring students through investigative reporting and newsroom leadership.
Dean Jelani Cobb welcomed both journalists, praising their distinguished careers and emphasizing the opportunity students will have to learn from experienced investigative reporters.
Alfonsi said joining Columbia comes at a moment when fearless, in-depth journalism remains essential, adding that she looks forward to helping the next generation of reporters learn how to ask difficult questions and hold powerful institutions accountable.