Jeff Fager

Former Executive Producer, 60 MINUTES and Former Chairman, CBS News

Jeff Fager

Jeff Fager spent nearly four decades at CBS News, building a career that moved from early newsroom roles to leading the entire division. Jeff became widely known for his work at 60 Minutes, where he helped maintain the program’s structure while adapting it to changes in media and audience behavior. His approach to journalism remained steady, with a focus on clear reporting and consistent standards.

Early Path in Broadcast Work

He began his career after graduating from Colgate University with a degree in English literature. His first positions were at a CBS affiliate in Boston, where he worked as a production assistant, news writer, and assignment editor. These roles provided him with a practical understanding of how newsrooms operate day to day.

He later moved to KPIX-TV in San Francisco, where he worked as a broadcast producer. This role allowed him to take on more responsibility in shaping stories. In the early 1980s, he joined CBS News programs such as the weekend CBS Evening News and Nightwatch, gaining experience at the network level.

International Assignments and Coverage

During the mid-1980s, he was assigned to international reporting and based in London. From there, he worked on coverage of major global events, including conflicts in the Middle East and the 1986 bombing of Libya. He also contributed to reporting on meetings between President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

His assignments included coverage related to the collapse of the Soviet Union. These experiences helped him develop a broader understanding of global affairs and strengthened his ability to handle complex news stories.

Expanding Responsibilities in News Programs

He later helped launch the news magazine 48 Hours, adding to his experience in long-form journalism. From 1989 to 1994, he worked as a producer at 60 Minutes, contributing to a range of stories with experienced correspondents.

During the 1990s, he moved into senior roles at the CBS Evening News. He worked on major international stories, including the war in Bosnia and the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. His work during this period earned recognition, including a Peabody Award.

From 1996 to 1998, he served as executive producer of the CBS Evening News. His leadership emphasized stronger reporting and expanded international coverage, thereby improving the program’s audience.

Leadership of 60 Minutes

Jeff Fager later became executive producer of 60 Minutes II before taking over the main 60 Minutes broadcast. He held this position for 14 seasons, guiding one of television’s longest-running news programs.

His leadership focused on maintaining the program’s standards while ensuring stories remained timely and relevant. He introduced updates to the program’s presentation and supported clear storytelling. Under his direction, 60 Minutes and related programs received major awards, including Emmys and Peabody Awards. He was also recognized multiple times by the Producers Guild of America.

Broader Leadership and Career Highlights

In 2011, he was named chairman of CBS News while continuing his work with 60 Minutes. In this role, he worked on strengthening key broadcasts. He helped relaunch CBS This Morning with a stronger focus on hard news and supported editorial changes at the CBS Evening News.

He also supported digital growth by improving the 60 Minutes website and forming partnerships with companies such as Yahoo and Comcast. He oversaw the launch of 60 Minutes Overtime and contributed to the development of a dedicated iPad application.

Over the course of his 37-year career, Jeff Fager served as executive producer for 24 years and conducted interviews with U.S. presidents and international leaders. Jeff remained committed to steady reporting and long-form journalism, leaving a consistent and lasting impact on broadcast news.