Donald Shepard Hewitt (December 14, 1922 – August 19, 2009) was an American television news producer best known as the creator of 60 Minutes. Born in New Rochelle, New York, he served as a combat cameraman during World War II, capturing footage in Europe. After the war, he joined CBS News in 1948 as a writer and copy boy, quickly rising through the ranks to become a pioneering television news producer. Hewitt produced the first televised U.S. presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy in 1960, which drew a massive audience and set a new standard for political coverage. He revolutionized television journalism by developing the 'minute-by-minute' news format used in programs like the CBS Evening News and led 60 Minutes from its inception through its peak years, achieving unprecedented success as the top-rated primetime show five times during his tenure. Known for his hands-on style and mantra 'tell me a story,' Hewitt emphasized compelling narratives over straight reporting, influencing generations of journalists. He retired from CBS in 2004 after 56 years but remained influential until his death from pancreatic cancer at age 86 in Bridgehampton, New York. He was married three times and had four children.