Trailblazing journalist Linda Mason, CBS veteran who broke barriers in news, dies at 84
A long career at CBS News
Mason joined CBS News in 1966 as a radio desk assistant. She later became the first female producer of the CBS Evening News, working with anchors Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather. Her other positions included senior producer of the evening broadcast, executive producer of CBS Sunday Morning, vice president of public affairs and leader of the network’s standards department.
Documentaries and special programs
Mason oversaw CBS Reports and served as executive producer of the documentary series. She also led the CBS News magazine Eye to Eye. Her projects included two primetime specials about 60 Minutes: “60 Minutes … 25 Years” and “60 Minutes at 30.” Both looked back at the Sunday night program’s history.
Education and Brown recognition
Born and raised in Middletown, New York, Mason graduated from Brown University in 1964 with honors and a B.A. in international relations. She received the university’s William Rogers Award in 1991, recognizing the Brown alumnus voted outstanding that year.
Key points
- Mason spent 47 years at CBS News, beginning as a radio desk assistant in 1966.
- She was the first female producer of the CBS Evening News.
- Her work included CBS Reports, Eye to Eye and two 60 Minutes specials.
- Mason earned degrees from Brown University and Syracuse University.