Don Hewitt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don Hewitt
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Hewitt in 1987
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Donald Shepherd Hewitt
December 14, 1922 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | August 19, 2009 (aged 86) Bridgehampton, New York, United States
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | New York University (withdrew for military service) |
| Occupation | Television producer |
| Years active | 1942–2009 |
| Employer | CBS News (1948–2009) |
| Known for | Creator of 60 Minutes |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Weaver (1945–1963; divorced; 2 children) Frankie Teague Childers (1963–1974; divorced; 2 children) Marilyn Berger (1979–2009; his death) |
| Awards | Edward R. Murrow Award, Emmy, Peabody Award, Producers Guild of America Award, Television Hall of Fame |
Donald Shepard Hewitt (December 14, 1922 – August 19, 2009) was a famous American television news producer. He is best known for creating the popular CBS news show 60 Minutes in 1968. At the time of his death, 60 Minutes was the longest-running prime-time show on American TV.
Under Hewitt's leadership, 60 Minutes was the only news program to be ranked as the nation's top TV show. It achieved this amazing feat five times. Hewitt also produced the first ever televised debate between presidential candidates in 1960.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Don Hewitt was born in New York City on December 14, 1922. His family moved to Boston, Massachusetts, soon after he was born. His father worked for a newspaper there. Later, his family lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Don graduated from New Rochelle High School in New York.
Starting His Career
Hewitt went to New York University. He began his journalism career in 1942 as a copyboy for the New York Herald Tribune. A copyboy helps deliver news copy and run errands in a newsroom.
In 1943, he joined the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He served as a journalist for Stars and Stripes in London during World War II. After the war ended in 1945, Hewitt returned to his job at the Tribune. He then worked for The Associated Press in Memphis, Tennessee.
He later moved back to New York City. There, he worked for a photo agency called ACME Newspictures. This agency later joined with United Press.
Working at CBS News
Don Hewitt soon got a great job offer from the CBS television network. They needed someone with "picture experience" to help with TV shows. He started working at CBS News in 1948. For 14 years, he was the producer and director of the network's evening news broadcast.
Innovations in Television News
Hewitt was also the first director of See It Now. This show started in 1951 and was co-produced by Edward R. Murrow. Hewitt used two film projectors to switch between scenes. This made news broadcasts more interesting and improved editing.
In 1956, Hewitt was the only person to film the final moments of the SS Andrea Doria. This ship sank and disappeared under the water.
Presidential Debates and Major News Events
On September 26, 1960, Hewitt directed the first ever televised U.S. Presidential debate. It was between Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice-President Richard M. Nixon. This historic event took place at the CBS studios in Chicago.
He later became the executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. He led the famous broadcast when the news of John F. Kennedy's assassination broke.
Creating 60 Minutes
Don Hewitt then launched the show 60 Minutes. This show went on to win eight Emmy Awards. Within ten years, 60 Minutes became one of the top 10 most-watched shows. It stayed in the top 10 for 21 out of the next 22 seasons.
In 1996, 60 Minutes aired a documentary about a scandal involving the tobacco industry. This story was about a whistleblower named Jeffrey Wigand. Hewitt initially hesitated to air the full story due to legal concerns. However, a more complete version of the story was later shown. This event was the inspiration for the 1999 film The Insider.
Stepping Down
By 2002, the ratings for 60 Minutes had started to decline. After decades in the top 10, the show dropped to number 20. This led to discussions about whether it was time for CBS to find a new leader for the show.
A few years later, at age 81, Hewitt stepped aside as executive producer. He signed a ten-year contract to be an executive producer-at-large for CBS News. In January 2010, 60 Minutes dedicated an entire show to honor Don Hewitt.
Personal Life and Death
Don Hewitt was married three times:
- Mary Weaver: They had two sons, Jeffrey and Steven.
- Frankie Teague Hewitt: She was a theater producer. They had a daughter, Lisa Gabrielle Hewitt Cassara. Don also adopted her daughter, Jilian Childers.
- Marilyn Berger: She was a journalist.
In March 2009, Hewitt was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He passed away from the illness on August 19, 2009, at his home in Bridgehampton, New York.
Honors and Awards
Don Hewitt received many awards for his work in journalism:
- 1987: He received the Paul White Award.
- 1988: He was given a personal Peabody Award. This award recognized his achievements that "touch the lives of just about every American."
- 1989: He was inducted into The Television Academy Hall Of Fame.
- 1992: Hewitt won the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.
- 1993: Hewitt and 60 Minutes were elected to the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
- 2008: He was honored with Washington State University's Edward R. Murrow Award for Lifetime Achievement in Broadcast Journalism.
See also
In Spanish: Don Hewitt para niños
