Don Hewitt

Don Hewitt
Name	Don Hewitt
Birth date	14 December 1922
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Death date	19 August 2009
Death place	Bridgehampton, New York, U.S.
Education	New York University
Occupation	Television news producer, director
Known for	Creator and executive producer of 60 Minutes
Spouse	Mary Weaver (m. 1945; div. 1963), Frankie Hewitt (m. 1963; div. 1979), Marilyn Berger (m. 1979)

Don Hewitt was a pioneering American television news producer and director, best known as the creator and long-time executive producer of the iconic news magazine program 60 Minutes. His innovative techniques in broadcast journalism, including the use of a stopwatch and the concept of a "ticking clock" segment, revolutionized the format of television news. Hewitt's career at the CBS network spanned over five decades, where he played a crucial role in shaping the network's news division and mentoring generations of journalists. His work earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Peabody Awards and Emmy Awards, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in media.

Early Life and Education

Don Hewitt was born in New York City and grew up in New Rochelle, New York. He attended New York University but left before graduating to pursue a career in journalism. His first job in the field was as a copyboy for the New York Herald Tribune, where he gained foundational experience in the fast-paced world of news reporting. This early exposure to print journalism would later inform his innovative approach to visual storytelling in the emerging medium of television.

Career

Hewitt began his television career in 1948 at CBS News, joining shortly after the network launched its television news division. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as the director for the CBS Evening News and pioneering the use of the Teleprompter. A seminal moment in his early career was his role as the director of the first televised presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960. Throughout the 1960s, he produced significant news coverage, including reports on the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement, working with legendary anchors like Walter Cronkite.

60 Minutes

In 1968, Hewitt created and launched 60 Minutes, which debuted on the CBS television network. He served as its executive producer for 36 years, establishing its distinctive format of in-depth reporting, interviews, and investigative segments. The program featured a rotating team of correspondents, including Mike Wallace, Morley Safer, Ed Bradley, and Diane Sawyer, who became household names under his guidance. Hewitt introduced the famous "ticking clock" and the concept of a "news magazine," blending hard journalism with compelling narrative storytelling. Under his leadership, 60 Minutes became one of the most successful and respected programs in television history, consistently topping the Nielsen ratings.

Legacy and Impact

Don Hewitt's impact on broadcast journalism is profound, having essentially invented the television news magazine format. His philosophy of "tell me a story" prioritized narrative and character, influencing countless news programs that followed, such as 20/20 and Dateline NBC. He mentored a generation of producers and correspondents, emphasizing rigorous journalism and high production values. The longevity and prestige of 60 Minutes stand as a testament to his vision, and his techniques are studied in journalism schools worldwide. His work demonstrated that substantive news could achieve mass appeal and commercial success.

Personal Life

Hewitt was married three times: first to Mary Weaver, with whom he had three children; then to Frankie Hewitt, a theatrical producer; and finally to journalist Marilyn Berger in 1979. He was known for his energetic, sometimes brash personality and his unwavering passion for television news. In his later years, he divided his time between Manhattan and Bridgehampton, New York, where he was an active member of the community. He published a memoir, Tell Me a Story: Fifty Years and 60 Minutes in Television, in 2001, reflecting on his storied career.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Don Hewitt received widespread critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards. He won multiple Emmy Awards for his work on 60 Minutes and other news programs. The show itself earned many Peabody Awards under his stewardship. In 2008, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, recognizing his monumental contributions to the industry. He also received the Paul White Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association and was honored by institutions like the National Press Foundation for his lifetime of achievement in journalism.

Category:American television producers Category:American journalists Category:CBS News people