60 Minutes is a popular television news magazine and one of the longest-running programs in television history. It began in 1968 and is still one of the highest-rated programs on prime time television.
The “60 Minutes” format begins with an image of a ticking stopwatch. The body of the program normally consists of three features, each introduced by a host correspondent. The ticking watch separates each feature. The show ends with a selection of comments from viewers concerning previous programs, followed by a final image of the ticking watch showing the end of the 60 minutes of program time.
“60 Minutes” is best known for investigative reporting about politics, government, and business. These reports are often critical of their subjects and occasionally have aroused national controversy. The program also presents lighter material, such as profiles of entertainers and athletes.
“60 Minutes” was created in 1968 by the television news producer Don Hewitt. A number of “60 Minutes” correspondents gained national reputations through the program. They included the two original correspondents, Mike Wallace and Harry Reasoner. Later correspondents have included Morley Safer, Dan Rather, Ed Bradley, and Diane Sawyer. From 1978 until his retirement in 2011, humorist Andy Rooney delivered a comic verbal essay about modern life.
