Bill Owens Joins Newpress as Executive Producer
The former 60 Minutes producer will lead the video journalism company following a $12 million funding round.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Media
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Bill Owens, who resigned from 60 Minutes last year, has announced his new role as executive producer of Newpress. The video journalism outlet, founded in 2024, recently secured $12 million in capital led by the Emerson Collective.
Why it matters
Owens aims to foster independent journalism free from traditional corporate interference. By providing production and business infrastructure, Newpress intends to support independent news creators while scaling its own operations.
Newpress successfully closed a $12 million funding round led by Emerson Collective. This capital will support the production of new shows and potential expansions into newsletters and podcasting formats.
The players
Bill Owens
He is the former executive producer of 60 Minutes who is transitioning to lead production at Newpress.
Newpress
Founded in 2024, this company produces video journalism on YouTube and provides infrastructure for independent news creators.
Emerson Collective
This organization led the recent $12 million funding round for Newpress to support its expansion efforts.
Iz Harris
She is a co-founder of Newpress who established the media company in 2024.
Johnny Harris
He is a co-founder of Newpress who helped launch the video journalism platform in 2024.
The details
Newpress, established by Iz Harris and Johnny Harris, functions by offering research, fact-checking, and business support to independent news creators. The company operates on a model that recruits journalists and shares profits with them.
Timeline
Newpress was founded in 2024.
Bill Owens left 60 Minutes in 2025.
Bill Owens announced his move to Newpress on October 22, 2026.
Bill Owens begins his official role at Newpress on March 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
This move signals a shift in the media landscape where established broadcast talent migrates to independent, digital-first organizations. Newpress is positioning itself to compete with legacy outlets by leveraging this seasoned expertise against traditional corporate structures.
Consumers can expect an increase in video journalism content from Newpress as the firm uses its new capital to launch additional shows. The company's expansion may eventually provide viewers with new formats such as podcasts and newsletters.
The takeaway
The move highlights a growing trend of seasoned media professionals prioritizing editorial freedom by joining independent startups. Readers should look for more diverse independent journalism models to emerge as these platforms continue to secure significant investment.
What happens next
Bill Owens is scheduled to begin his new executive producer role at Newpress on March 1, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about shifting trends in the industry by visiting the United States Media section.
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