Date of Birth: December 14, 1922
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: August 19, 2009
Biography
Don Hewitt was an influential American television news producer and executive, best known for creating the long-running CBS news magazine television program “60 Minutes.” Born in New York City, Hewitt’s career in journalism began in the 1940s and spanned over five decades. He started as a reporter and quickly moved into television, where he became one of the pioneers of broadcast journalism. Hewitt’s innovative approach to news production and storytelling transformed television news and set the standard for investigative journalism. Throughout his career, Hewitt received numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards, for his contributions to the field. His work on “60 Minutes” not only made the program a staple of American television but also established it as a premier platform for in-depth news coverage. Hewitt’s legacy continues to influence journalists and producers around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about Don Hewitt
1. Don Hewitt directed the first televised presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960.
2. He was a war correspondent during World War II before transitioning to television journalism.
3. Hewitt is credited with coining the phrase “Tell me a story,” which became a guiding principle for “60 Minutes.”
4. “60 Minutes” became the most-watched television program in America for five consecutive years under his leadership.
5. Hewitt was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1990.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Don Hewitt
1. “Tell me a story. It’s that easy.”
2. “The formula is simple and it’s reduced to four words every kid in the world knows: Tell me a story.”
3. “I never wanted to be famous. I just wanted to be good at what I did.”
4. “Television news is not a reflection of reality; it is an interpretation of reality.”
5. “I believe in the truth and the power of storytelling.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Don Hewitt’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.
Children
Don Hewitt had four children: Steven Hewitt, Jeffrey Hewitt, Lisa Hewitt, and Jilian Hewitt.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia: Don Hewitt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Hewitt
2. [CBS News Tribute to Don Hewitt](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/don-hewitt-the-60-minutes-man-dies/
3. [The New York Times Obituary](https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/20/business/media/20hewitt.html
4. [Emmy Awards Profile](https://www.emmys.com/bios/don-hewitt
5. [Television Hall of Fame](https://www.tvhalloffame.com/portfolio/don-hewitt/
