Former CBS 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens is making a significant transition into the creator economy. He has joined the emerging media startup Newpress as its Executive Producer.
Owens’ new role comes as Newpress embarks on a funding journey, seeking $12 million in a round spearheaded by Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective. The funding round also includes prominent figures such as Jesse Angelo, CEO of Checker Media; David Leavy, former COO of CNN Worldwide; and Brent Montgomery, CEO of Wheelhouse Entertainment. Former Politico CEO Patrick Steel is also joining as an investor and board member, alongside popular YouTube creator Mark Rober.
Newpress was co-founded by Jonny and Iz Harris, both recognized filmmakers on YouTube, and the company includes content from Johnny Harris’ active YouTube channel. The startup has plans to roll out several new shows in the coming months, aiming for a comprehensive lineup of 12 to 16 channels led by creators who are experts in their respective fields.
In his role at Newpress, Owens will collaborate with various creators to develop innovative programming and enhance production quality. This marks his first position following his departure from 60 Minutes last year.
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining the team, Owens stated, “In getting to know Johnny and Iz over the past year, I’ve witnessed the depth they bring to storytelling, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to come on board on March 1. We have a unique chance to infuse traditional journalism’s high standards into a brand-new model. They’ve gained the trust of a vast audience that legacy institutions are increasingly failing to reach. Together, I hope we can craft some of the most ambitious and insightful narratives tailored to meet audiences where they are.”
Co-founders Johnny and Iz Harris underscored Newpress’s mission, stating, “We believe that in an increasingly complex world, people want to understand their surroundings through the lens of trusted individuals. We have already witnessed the profound impact of our journalism on our audience, and now, with Emerson Collective’s support and Bill’s expertise, we can create a new kind of organization centered on innovative, trustworthy, and contextually-driven storytelling at scale.”
Peter Lattman, managing director of media at Emerson Collective, spoke highly of the Harris duo, referring to them as exceptional entrepreneurs with an impressive vision for creating a leading company in creator-led journalism. He added that Johnny is a talented storyteller capable of making intricate topics engaging and accessible, while Bill Owens brings the journalistic rigor and production quality that marked his illustrious career at 60 Minutes.
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Former 60 Minutes Producer Bill Owens Joins Creator Startup Newpress
