Jeff Fager

Jeff Fager built a long career at CBS News that spanned nearly four decades, moving from entry-level newsroom roles to leading major programs and eventually serving as chairman of the division. Jeff became closely associated with 60 Minutes, where his leadership helped maintain its position during shifts in the media landscape. Jeff began working in television news in the late 1970s after earning a degree in English literature from Colgate University. He started in Boston at a CBS affiliate, taking on duties as a production assistant, writer, and assignment editor. He later moved to KPIX-TV in San Francisco, where he worked as a broadcast producer. In the early 1980s, he contributed to CBS News programs, including the weekend CBS Evening News and Nightwatch. His work soon took him overseas, where he was based in London and covered key global events, including conflicts in the Middle East, the U.S. bombing of Libya in 1986, and meetings between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. Jeff later played a role in launching 48 Hours and served as a producer on 60 Minutes from 1989 to 1994. During that period, he worked on a range of stories with correspondents including Morley Safer and Steve Kroft. In the following years, he moved into senior production roles at the CBS Evening News, where he helped cover major international stories like the war in Bosnia and the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, earning a Peabody Award for that work. Jeff became executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather from 1996 to 1998. His approach emphasized stronger reporting and broader international coverage, which contributed to audience growth. He then led 60 Minutes II before becoming executive producer of 60 Minutes, a role he held for 14 seasons. His work focused on keeping the program timely while maintaining its core standards. During this time, the broadcasts received multiple major journalism awards. In 2011, Jeff was named chairman of CBS News while continuing to oversee 60 Minutes. He helped relaunch CBS This Morning with a stronger focus on news reporting and contributed to shaping the direction of the CBS Evening News. He also supported the expansion of CBS News into digital platforms, including updates to the 60 Minutes website and the launch of 60 Minutes Overtime. Jeff Fager remained focused on delivering long-form journalism across platforms, and his career reflects steady involvement in both production and leadership roles.