Title:GEMA Alumni Spotlight – Roxanne Feitel (C’16), Associate Producer, 60 Minutes

Roxanne Feitel (C’16) is an Associate Producer at 60 Minutes in New York, where she reports and produces stories on politics, the U.S. military, foreign affairs, and culture.

What was your first “big break”? Or, what is the most significant experience you have had that has made your success possible?

Working the overnight shift as a booker on CBS’s morning show back in 2017. I was less than a year out of Georgetown and looking to grow within the news division when I heard “CBS This Morning” needed someone to work midnight to 10am, Monday to Friday. Sure, it meant turning my social life and any semblance of a routine upside down. But it also put me in the control room for the show every single day, working alongside the Executive Producer and a small group of senior staff as the first line of defense when news broke overnight or in the early hours of the day. I was admittedly thrilled when a “dayside” job opened up after a year and my nocturnal era could come to an end, but it was a phenomenal learning experience!

What is the most challenging part of your job? What is the most rewarding part?

The most challenging part of my job is the pressure to get it right. In the current environment where purposeful disinformation, misinformation, and distrust of mainstream media abound, it feels like our responsibility is greater than ever to provide our viewers with unbiased, fact-based journalism.

The most rewarding part is the opportunity we get as journalists to travel, meet people, learn things, and experience history on behalf of the viewers who rely on us to accurately report the first draft of history. In just the two and a half years I’ve been at 60 Minutes, I’ve been to Bahrain, the Red Sea, and Israel to report on conflict in the Middle East; Guam, aboard a deployed aircraft carrier in the Western Pacific, to report on the state of the U.S. Navy; and the Vatican for Pope Francis’ first ever in-depth interview with an American broadcast network. If you’d told me when I was a Georgetown student I’d be doing all that, I’d never have believed you! 

What is something current you are working on that you are excited about?

We can’t talk too much about stories we have in the works until they’re ready to air, but we’ve been reporting out a story about espionage for over a year that I’m looking forward to sharing.

How is the ever-changing media landscape affecting your industry?

Generally, when I talk to people my age (millennials), they barely watch broadcast news anymore outside of the rare presidential debate or a major, breaking news event. It doesn’t mean they’re not watching or consuming news – they’re just not turning on the TV at 6:30pm to catch the evening newscast like their parents and grandparents did. That said, they tell me they are still eager for well-reported stories and interviews with people in power – we just have to meet them where they are on TikTok, YouTube, X, podcasts, etc.

Are there any ways that you feel Georgetown especially prepared you for your career?

This is probably a common answer, but the network Georgetown offers is a huge advantage, especially in media and politics. Being a Hoya has opened doors for me every step of the way, from an internship on the Hill sophomore year to jobs and introductions at CBS. I was especially fortunate to find a mentor in Norah O’Donnell (C’95, G’03) and now work directly with her at 60 Minutes.

What is your best advice to those who are starting out in your field?

Say yes to every assignment you get offered, and be extra diligent with the details. Even the seemingly smallest menial tasks and fact-finding missions done carefully can go a long way towards helping someone make air on deadline, and you never know where an opportunity or introduction may lead. I also live by the old news mantra that it’s better to be right than first – spending a little more time to make sure your work is 100% accurate, rather than rushing to return something half-baked, is always worth it.

Best Business Advice Received:

You only get one chance at a first impression – as journalists, we have to earn people’s trust when we ask them to open up about their personal stories, experiences, and expertise. It’s so important to go into that first conversation having done your research and with informed empathy for what they might have to share.

Trait You Most Admire in People: 

Integrity and creativity, and as someone who is chronically early, I appreciate punctuality!

Favorite App, Website, Podcast or Social Platform (other than related to your own company):

App: New York Times Games. I’m addicted to the Spelling Bee and crossword puzzle.

Podcast: I listen to Up First from NPR most mornings while I’m getting ready for the day. It’s a good way to ease into the news and there’s often an interesting story or two I haven’t heard much about elsewhere. I also love Fresh Air and for fun, Las Culturistas. 

Favorite Georgetown Professor:

Brian Hochman, whose American Literature classes were a highlight for me as an English major. I also loved Ron Klain’s senior seminar on Presidential Debates for Government majors. 

Favorite Georgetown Restaurant or Bar:

Since everyone probably says Tombs, I’ll go out on a limb and say Il Canale with an honorable mention to Thomas Sweet’s ice cream.

Favorite Georgetown Memory:

Walking to the Lincoln Memorial en masse after the senior ball at Union Station.

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