Williams, Palmer

Palmer Williams (1916-1996) joined CBS News in 1951 as producer of the radio series Hear It Now and the television series See It Now, both hosted by Edward R. Murrow. In 1959, Williams became Director of Operations for CBS Reports, a documentary television series for which he also produced many episodes. CBS News named Williams Director of Broadcast Operations in 1964, but he returned to CBS Reports in 1965 as executive producer. Additionally, he produced several CBS News Specials and Special Reports. In 1968, CBS formed 60 Minutes using See It Now alumni and Williams as the program’s senior producer, until becoming managing editor in 1980. In 1981, Williams officially retired, but he continued to work with CBS News and to produce documentaries until his death in 1996.