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First female producer for Cronkite dies
14 Nov
Summary
- Linda Mason broke barriers as first female producer at CBS Evening News.
- She mentored women in a male-dominated news division.
- Mason oversaw standards after a controversial "60 Minutes" report.
Linda Mason, an Emmy Award-winning journalist who carved a path for women in news, died on October 28 at 84. She began her career at CBS Radio in an entry-level role in 1966 and steadily rose through the ranks.
Mason achieved a significant milestone as the first female producer for "CBS Evening News" with Walter Cronkite. Her career also saw her serve as executive producer for "CBS News Sunday Morning" and "CBS Reports."
As vice president, Mason was tasked with reinforcing the news division's standards, particularly after a controversial "60 Minutes" report concerning President George W. Bush's military service in 2004.
Colleagues remember Mason as a crucial mentor, guiding many women navigating the male-dominated environment of broadcast journalism. Her memoir, "Speak Up: Breaking the Glass Ceiling at CBS News," was published in 2023.
