David Small, a longtime video editor for CBS, passed away in New York City after a brief illness. He was 69 years old. He is remembered by his colleagues and friends as a talented and dedicated professional who worked on many memorable stories and segments for CBS Sunday Morning and other CBS News programs.
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A Career Spanning Four Decades
David Small began his career in 1978 as a video editor for WNET, the PBS station in New York. He worked on various documentaries and public affairs programs, including The MacNeil/Lehrer Report, American Masters, and Nature. He also edited music specials featuring artists such as Paul Simon, Billy Joel, and Bruce Springsteen.
In 1987, he joined CBS News as a video editor for the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. He later moved to CBS Sunday Morning, where he worked for more than 30 years. He edited stories and segments covering a wide range of topics, from arts and culture to politics and history. He also worked on special projects, such as the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination, the 9/11 attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He won several awards for his work, including four Emmys, two Peabodys, and a duPont-Columbia. He was also nominated for an Oscar in 1994 for editing the documentary short film One Survivor Remembers, about a Holocaust survivor’s journey back to Germany.
A Passionate and Creative Editor
David Small was known for his passion and creativity as an editor. He had a keen eye for detail and a knack for finding the best shots and sound bites. He also had a great sense of humor and a love for music. He often used songs to enhance his stories and segments, such as Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are a-Changin’ for a piece on the 1960s, or Frank Sinatra’s My Way for a tribute to Walter Cronkite.
He was also a mentor and a friend to many of his colleagues at CBS. He shared his knowledge and experience with younger editors and producers, and he was always willing to help out with any project. He was respected and admired by everyone who worked with him.
A Devoted Husband and Father
David Small is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan, and his two children, Daniel and Rebecca. He was a devoted husband and father who loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed traveling, hiking, biking, skiing, and playing tennis with them. He also supported their interests and endeavors, such as Daniel’s filmmaking career and Rebecca’s musical theater performances.
He was also a generous and compassionate person who cared about others. He donated to various charities and causes, such as Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, and the ASPCA. He also volunteered at his local food pantry and animal shelter.
A Cherished Member of the CBS Family
David Small will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and viewers. He was a cherished member of the CBS family who made a lasting impact on the world of journalism and storytelling. He left behind a legacy of excellence and integrity that will inspire generations to come.
According to CBS News, David Small passed away on September 18th, 2023. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the charities that David supported or to the David Small Memorial Fund at CBS News.
