Jeff Fager

Jeff Fager is a renowned American journalist and producer, best known for his work as the executive producer of 60 Minutes, a position he held from 2004 to 2018. During his tenure, the program won numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, and Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards. Fager's career has been marked by collaborations with prominent journalists, such as Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, and Steve Kroft, and has covered significant events, including the War in Afghanistan, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2008 United States presidential election. His work has also been recognized by the Radio and Television News Directors Association and the National Association of Black Journalists.

● Early Life and Education

Jeff Fager was born in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and grew up in a family of Harvard University alumni. He attended Dartmouth College, where he studied English literature and was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. After graduating in 1977, Fager began his career in journalism at WBZ-TV in Boston, Massachusetts, working alongside notable anchors like Jack Williams and Liz Walker. He later moved to WCBS-TV in New York City, where he covered local news and events, including the 1980 United States presidential election and the 1984 Summer Olympics.

● Career

Fager's career at CBS News began in 1982, when he joined the network as a producer for the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. He worked on various programs, including 48 Hours and West 57th, and collaborated with correspondents like Mike Wallace and Morley Safer. In 1998, Fager became the executive producer of 60 Minutes II, which later merged with the original 60 Minutes program. Under his leadership, the show won numerous awards, including Peabody Awards for its coverage of the Iraq War and the SARS outbreak. Fager has also worked with other notable journalists, such as Byron Pitts, Lara Logan, and Bob Simon, and has covered significant events, including the 2011 Egyptian revolution and the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

● Controversies

Fager's career has not been without controversy, particularly regarding his handling of sensitive topics, such as the Benghazi attack and the NSA surveillance program. In 2018, he was accused of sending a threatening text message to Jericka Duncan, a CBS News correspondent, which led to his departure from the network. Fager has also faced criticism for his role in the #MeToo movement, particularly regarding the handling of allegations against Charlie Rose, a former CBS This Morning host. The controversy surrounding Fager's departure was covered by various news outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Variety.

● Personal Life

Fager is married to Melissa Lerner, a former ABC News producer, and has two children. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has served on the board of the International Rescue Committee. Fager has also been involved with various charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross and the United Service Organizations. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and sailing, and has participated in several charity golf tournaments, including the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Fager's work has been recognized by the National Press Club and the Society of Professional Journalists, and he has received honorary degrees from Dartmouth College and Boston University.