On Tuesday “60 Minutes” celebrated its 45th birthday. The show debuted on CBS Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1968. Its success over the years brought on many imitators and even led Rupert Murdoch to once inquire about buying the show and bringing it to FOX.
This Sunday, the dean of the TV newsmagazines begins season number 46 on CBS. “60 Minutes” EP Jeff Fager who is also the chairman of CBS News, explains show creator Don Hewitt’s vision for the show like this: “Why can’t you put Marilyn Monroe in the same broadcast as an interview with the president.” (Watch after the jump)
This Sunday, the mix of stories includes Scott Pelley’s interview with Secretary of State John Kerry; Steve Kroft’s report on schizophrenia, the sometimes violent illness that the Washington Navy Yard shooter showed symptoms of; and Norah O’Donnell’s profile of Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly, including details of his new book “Killing Jesus.”