Morley Safer

Morley Safer (November 8, 1931 – May 19, 2016) was a prominent Canadian-American journalist renowned for his impactful contributions to CBS News. Joining the esteemed news magazine 60 Minutes in 1970, during its second season, Safer became the program's longest-serving correspondent, leaving an indelible mark on American journalism.

Over the course of his six-decade career, Safer garnered an impressive array of accolades, including 12 Emmy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. His journalistic prowess was further recognized with three Overseas Press Awards, three Peabody Awards, and two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards. Additionally, he received the prestigious Paul White Award from the Radio-Television News Directors Association. In 2009, Safer contributed his extensive collection of papers to the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin, preserving his legacy for future generations.

Jeff Fager, the executive producer of 60 Minutes, praised Safer's remarkable career, noting his insatiable curiosity, adventurous spirit, and exceptional writing skills, all of which contributed to his outstanding body of work. Tragically, Safer passed away just a week after announcing his retirement from 60 Minutes, closing a significant chapter in the history of journalism. His contributions continue to resonate, solidifying his status as a key figure in the field.