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Jeff Fager

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

Jeff Fager spent nearly 40 years at CBS News, advancing from entry-level newsroom work to leading the organization. Jeff became most recognized for his role at 60 Minutes, where he helped guide the program through changes in both broadcast and digital media. His work reflects a steady focus on reporting and adapting to evolving industry demands

Entering the News Industry

He began his career after graduating from Colgate University with a degree in English literature. His first roles were at a CBS affiliate in Boston, where he worked as a production assistant, news writer, and assignment editor. These early experiences helped him understand how newsrooms operate and how stories are managed under deadline pressure.

He later moved to KPIX-TV in San Francisco, where he worked as a broadcast producer. This position gave him more responsibility in shaping news content. In the early 1980s, he joined CBS News programs such as the weekend CBS Evening News and Nightwatch, gaining experience at the national level.

Assignments in International Reporting

During the mid-1980s, he was assigned to international coverage and based in London. From there, he worked on reporting major global events, including conflicts in the Middle East and the 1986 bombing of Libya. He also contributed to coverage of meetings between President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

His work extended to events related to the collapse of the Soviet Union. These assignments helped him develop a broader understanding of global politics and strengthened his reporting skills.

Expanding Role in Broadcast Programs

He later helped launch the news magazine 48 Hours, gaining further experience in long-form storytelling. From 1989 to 1994, he worked as a producer at 60 Minutes, contributing to a variety of reports alongside experienced correspondents.

During the 1990s, he took on senior roles at the CBS Evening News. He worked on major international stories such as the war in Bosnia and the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. His efforts 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 emphasized stronger reporting and expanded foreign coverage, thereby improving the program’s audience reach.

Leadership at 60 Minutes

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

His leadership focused on maintaining the program’s identity while keeping stories 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.

Digital Strategy and Career Overview

In 2011, he was named chairman of CBS News while continuing his work with 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 changes at the CBS Evening News.

He also supported the expansion of digital platforms by improving the 60 Minutes website and building 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 steady reporting and long-form journalism, leaving a lasting impact on broadcast news.

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