Don Hewitt, the legendary news producer, died today of pancreatic cancer. He was 86.
In addition to overseeing historical broadcasts such as the Nixon-Kennedy debates, he was the inventor of the 30-minute newscast. In 1968 he created and produced a little show (the first of its kind) called 60 Minutes. I’m sure he never thought it would still be going strong 41 years later; it’s currently the longest running prime-time broadcast in the US.
Hewitt is survived by his wife and four children. Thank you, Don, for creating that news magazine format — one of my favorites — that so many others such as Dateline and 48 Hours have since emulated. You were a pioneer.
He made TV history so many times, created 60 minutes, and was a genius. He was also a much beloved person in his industry, he will be missed.
I agree, Jinxy. A true genius.