Ep 48. Dec 4, 2016

CBS News Sunday Morning is a weekly news and features program that has been on the air since 1979. This critically acclaimed show covers a myriad of topics including news, culture, arts, music, science, medicine, lifestyle, history, and more. The show is known for its in-depth reporting, thoughtful commentary, and distinctive mix of human-interest stories and news briefs. On December 4, 2016, CBS News Sunday Morning aired its 48th episode of season 39.

The show began with anchor Jane Pauley introducing the top stories of the week, including the announcement of President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of retired Marine Corps General James Mattis as Secretary of Defense. Correspondent David Martin reported on the reaction to Mattis' nomination, saying that while many people respect Mattis' leadership, his appointment would require Congress to grant him a waiver because he has not been out of the military for the mandatory seven years.

Next, the show explored the world of gin. Correspondent Nancy Giles visited a gin distillery in Brooklyn and spoke with master distiller Allan Katz about the popularity of gin and its unique flavor profile. Giles also sampled some of the distillery's different gin blends and cocktails and discovered that gin was originally used for medicinal purposes.

The show then shifted to a story about legendary actor Kirk Douglas, who turned 100 on December 9, 2016. Correspondent Lee Cowan visited Douglas at his home in Beverly Hills and spoke with him about his life and career. Douglas talked about growing up poor in upstate New York, his time in the Navy during World War II, and his rise to fame in Hollywood. Cowan also spoke with Douglas' son, actor Michael Douglas, about his father's determination and his legacy.

The next story focused on the issue of fake news, which had become a major topic of discussion in the wake of the 2016 presidential election. Correspondent Tracy Smith interviewed several experts, including New York University Professor Jay Rosen and Buzzfeed Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith, about the impact of fake news on public discourse and the role of social media in spreading misinformation. Smith also spoke with ordinary people who had fallen prey to fake news stories and noted the danger of a divided and misinformed public.

The show then examined the burgeoning world of eSports, or competitive video gaming. Correspondent Conor Knighton visited an eSports tournament in Las Vegas and spoke with gamers and industry insiders about the growing popularity of eSports, the skill required to compete at a high level, and the potential for eSports to become a major industry. Knighton also explored the similarities between traditional sports and eSports and noted that while some people still look down on video gaming as a hobby, others see it as a legitimate form of competition.

The final segment of the show was a tribute to CBS News correspondent Morley Safer, who had passed away earlier in the year. Correspondent Rita Braver looked back at Safer's groundbreaking career, which spanned more than 60 years and included coverage of major events such as the Vietnam War, Watergate, and the 9/11 attacks. Braver spoke with Safer's colleagues and friends, including journalist Tom Brokaw and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, about Safer's wit, intelligence, and journalistic integrity.

Overall, the December 4, 2016 episode of CBS News Sunday Morning covered a diverse range of topics, from politics to pop culture, and showcased the show's signature blend of in-depth reporting and human-interest stories. With its mix of news, arts, and culture, CBS News Sunday Morning has remained a Sunday morning staple for viewers across the country for over 40 years.