Jeff Fager

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

Jeff Fager spent nearly four decades at CBS News, advancing from early production roles to leading the division. Jeff became best known for his work with 60 Minutes, where he helped maintain its structure while guiding it through changes in the media landscape. His career reflects a steady focus on reporting, clarity, and adapting to new platforms without losing established standards.

Early Career and First Roles

He began his career after graduating from Colgate University with a degree in English literature. His first experiences were at a CBS affiliate in Boston, where he worked as a production assistant, news writer, and assignment editor. These roles helped him understand the pace and responsibilities of a newsroom.

He later moved to KPIX-TV in San Francisco, where he became a broadcast producer. This position allowed him to take on more responsibility in shaping stories and managing production. In the early 1980s, he joined CBS News programs such as the weekend CBS Evening News and Nightwatch, gaining exposure to national broadcasts.

Experience with International Reporting

During the mid-1980s, he was assigned to international coverage and based in London. From there, he worked on major global stories, 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 work extended to events surrounding the collapse of the Soviet Union. These assignments helped him build a broader understanding of global affairs and strengthen his approach to complex reporting.

Work in News Magazine Programming

He later contributed to launching the news magazine 48 Hours, expanding his experience in long-form journalism. From 1989 to 1994, he worked as a producer at 60 Minutes, contributing to a wide range of stories alongside experienced correspondents.

During the 1990s, he took on senior roles at the CBS Evening News. He worked on major international coverage, 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 focused on strengthening reporting and expanding foreign coverage, thereby improving the program’s audience reach.

Leadership at 60 Minutes

Jeff Fager later became executive producer of 60 Minutes II and then took leadership of the main 60 Minutes broadcast. He held this role for 14 seasons, guiding one of television’s most established programs.

His leadership emphasized maintaining the program’s identity while ensuring that 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 honors, including Emmys and Peabody Awards. He was also recognized multiple times by the Producers Guild of America.

Role as Chairman and Career Overview

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

He also supported digital expansion 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 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 focused on consistent reporting and long-form journalism, making a lasting, steady contribution to broadcast news.

To learn more about Jeff Fager, click the links below:

Fifty Years of 60 Minutes

Jeff Fager looks back on 50 years of "60 Minutes"

Jeff Fager Biography

Jeff Fager: Inside 60 Minutes, Bari Weiss, and the Future of Media