The program was created by long time producer Don Hewitt who set it apart by using a unique style of reporter-centered investigation. It has been among the top-rated TV programs for much of its life, and has garnered numerous awards over the years. It is considered by many to be the preeminent investigative television program in the United States. The fall of 2008 will see the program's 40th anniversary, and it currently holds the record for the longest running program of any genre scheduled during American network prime time; the longer-running Meet the Press has also aired in prime time, but not continually as 60 Minutes has done. (Source - Wikipedia)