The Ticking Clock Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes

For more than 50 years, 60 Minutes has been one of the most respected and influential news programs on television. But behind the scenes, there is a constant ticking clock. Every week, the producers and correspondents have just seven days to put together an hour-long show. It's a daunting task, but one that the team has mastered over the years.

In this article, we'll take a behind-the-scenes look at how 60 Minutes is made, from the initial story ideas to the final edit. We'll also talk to the people who make it all happen, including executive producer Bill Owens and correspondents Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, and Anderson Cooper.

Ticking Clock: Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes

by Ira Rosen

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13781 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	327 pages

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The Story Meeting

The week-long process of putting together a 60 Minutes episode begins with the story meeting. Every Monday morning, the show's producers and correspondents gather in a conference room to discuss story ideas. The producers have been working on story ideas all week, and they come to the meeting with a list of potential segments.

The correspondents then weigh in on the story ideas, and they discuss which ones they think are most newsworthy and compelling. They also discuss which stories they think they can get access to, and which ones they think will be difficult to report.

The story meeting is a lively and often contentious affair. The producers and correspondents have strong opinions, and they're not afraid to voice them. But at the end of the meeting, they usually come to a consensus on which stories to pursue.

The Research

Once the story ideas have been approved, the correspondents begin the research process. They read books and articles, they talk to experts, and they conduct interviews. The goal of the research is to gather as much information as possible about the story, so that the correspondents can write a compelling and informative segment.

The research process can be time-consuming, but it's essential for producing a quality segment. The correspondents need to know as much as they can about the story before they start writing, so that they can avoid making mistakes and so that they can present the story in a fair and balanced way.

The Writing

Once the research is complete, the correspondents begin writing their segments. The writing process can take several days, and it's often a difficult and challenging task. The correspondents need to write a segment that is informative, engaging, and visually appealing. They also need to make sure that the segment is fair and balanced, and that it meets the high standards of 60 Minutes.

The writing process is often a collaborative one. The correspondents often work with producers and editors to refine their segments and make sure that they're as strong as possible.

The Filming

Once the segment is written, it's time to start filming. The filming process can take several days, and it often involves travel to different locations. The correspondents and their crews work long hours to capture the best possible footage for their segments.

The filming process is often challenging, but it's also rewarding. The correspondents get to meet interesting people and learn about important issues. They also get to see the world in a way that most people don't.

The Editing

Once the filming is complete, it's time to start editing the segment. The editing process can take several days, and it's often a complex and challenging task. The editors need to assemble the footage into a coherent and engaging story. They also need to make sure that the segment is visually appealing and that it meets the high standards of 60 Minutes.

The editing process is often a collaborative one. The editors work with the correspondents and producers to refine the segment and make sure that it's as strong as possible.

The Final Cut

Once the editing is complete, the segment is ready for its final cut. The final cut is the version of the segment that will air on television. The final cut is often shorter than the original edit, and it's often more polished and refined.

The final cut is the culmination of weeks of hard work by the correspondents, producers, editors, and crew. It's a moment of pride for everyone involved, and it's a testament to the high standards of 60 Minutes.

The Broadcast

The broadcast of a 60 Minutes episode is a major event. The show airs on Sunday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT, and it's watched by millions of people around the world. The broadcast is the culmination of weeks of hard work by the entire 60 Minutes team, and it's a moment of great pride for everyone involved.

60 Minutes is one of the most respected and influential news programs on television. The show has won numerous awards, including 15 Peabody Awards and 14 Emmy Awards. 60 Minutes has also been credited with breaking major stories and exposing wrongng. The show is a vital part of the American media landscape, and it continues to set the standard for excellence in journalism.

The People Behind 60 Minutes

60 Minutes is made possible by the hard work and dedication of a talented team of producers, correspondents, editors, and crew. The show's executive producer is Bill Owens, and the correspondents include Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, and Anderson Cooper.

Bill Owens has been the executive producer of 60 Minutes since 2012. He is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience. Owens has won numerous awards for his work, including three Emmy Awards and two Peabody Awards.

Lesley Stahl has been a correspondent for 60 Minutes since 1991. She is one of the most respected journalists in the world, and she has won numerous awards for her work, including six Emmy Awards and two Peabody Awards.

Scott Pelley has been a correspondent for 60 Minutes since 2004. He is a former CBS News anchor and he has won numerous awards for his work, including three Emmy Awards and two Peabody Awards.

Anderson Cooper has been a correspondent for 60 Minutes since 2016. He is also the host of CNN's Anderson Cooper 360°. Cooper is one of the most popular journalists in the world, and he has won numerous awards for his work, including 18 Emmy Awards and two Peabody Awards.

The Legacy of 60 Minutes

60 Minutes is a legacy program that has had a lasting impact on American journalism. The show has won numerous awards, and it has been credited with breaking major stories and exposing wrongng. 60 Minutes is a vital part of the American media landscape, and it continues to set the standard for excellence in journalism.

Ticking Clock: Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes

by Ira Rosen

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13781 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	327 pages

FREE