Home: New Canaan, CT; Edgartown, MA. Age: 71. Birthplace: Framingham, MA. Profession: Broadcast journalism. Organization: Formerly of 60 Minutes and CBS News. Title: Executive Producer. Significant other: My wife, Melinda Fager. Alma mater: Colgate University (BS).
Current project: Retired; advising film projects. Recent professional development: Several documentary film projects over the past five years, though I find it less fulfilling than my career in broadcast journalism. Latest accomplishment: Probably our series Algiers America (Hulu), which my son directed and I produced. It is compelling, important and memorable. Latest contribution to others: Chairman of the Board at Oligo Nation, a brain cancer research organization. Hobbies: Skiing, golf, fishing and horse racing. Recent travel or adventure: Heli-skiing in British Columbia. Last book read: Hamnet, by Maggie O’Farrell. This book is a masterpiece for anyone who cares about Shakespeare. Recently viewed and recommended: I watch most new movies, and Hamnet was my favorite by far. It should have won the Oscar. Recent unique acquisition: A new engine for our fishing boat.
Personality profile: Happy, easy-going, forgiving; willing to look for the good in others. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Fun. Moral compass: My father. Even though he is gone, I still rely on what he would do in most situations. How do you define a perfect friendship? Non-judgmental. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Reliably trustworthy. What is your greatest joy? My family. What is your greatest fear? The loss of loved ones. What word or phrase do you use far too often? I don’t use it, but others do, especially in the news business: “clearly.” The truth is that almost nothing in this world is clear. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Football coaches. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? On Martha’s Vineyard, where we have a summer home. How do you relieve stress? Fishing. What is your go-to workout? Running. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Great sun, or great snow.
What was your first paying job? Shoveling snow, cleaning out horse stalls. What was your favorite college course? Shakespeare. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Baseball, football, skiing and hockey. What book have you repeatedly read? Old Man and the Sea, by Hemingway. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Master and Commander. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Family and co-worker pictures. My dad’s obituary and a shot of him operating. Pictures with presidents and foreign leaders. The shot of Bobby Orr scoring the winning goal in game 7 of the Stanley Cup, signed by him. The keys to Saddam Hussein’s Basra palace presented to me by one of our war coverage crews. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My oldest brother, Chris. Also, my tenth-grade English teacher. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Get off to a good start at everything (my dad). What is your go-to source of news and information? The New York Times. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? 9/11. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Joining 60 Minutes for the first time.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Less judgment, more acceptance of differences.
What mega-trend most excites you? AI. What mega-trend most concerns you? The same.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My dad. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A doctor. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Nothing. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my wife. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t ever write an angry text. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I wrote an angry text and got fired.
Personal mission: My family. Personal motto: Live in the moment. Desired epitaph: He loved life and loved people.
