R.I.P. Don Hewitt
Aug 19, 2009 at 11:03 am by Wendie

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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.

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2 Responses to “R.I.P. Don Hewitt”

  1. Jinxy says:
    August 19, 2009 at 5:20 pm

    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.

    Reply
  2. Al says:
    August 20, 2009 at 9:53 pm

    I agree, Jinxy. A true genius.

    Reply

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