Diane Sawyer

Diane Sawyer is a prominent figure in broadcast journalism, known for anchoring major programs on two networks. Her work includes "ABC World News Tonight," "Good Morning America," "20/20," and the "Primetime" newsmagazine at ABC News. Prior to her journalism career, Sawyer served as a member of President Richard Nixon's White House staff and assisted with his post-presidency memoirs, providing her with a unique perspective on American political life.

Before joining ABC News, Sawyer spent nine years at CBS News, where she became the first female correspondent for "60 Minutes." She also co-anchored the "CBS Morning News" and served as CBS News' State Department correspondent. After moving to ABC News, she co-anchored "Primetime Live" with Sam Donaldson, followed by "20/20 Wednesday." At "Good Morning America," Sawyer and Robin Roberts became the first team of women to anchor a major network morning broadcast. As anchor of "World News with Diane Sawyer," she led ABC's flagship evening news broadcast, contributing to its growth in viewership.

Throughout her career, Sawyer has reported on significant issues through original reporting, prime-time specials, long-form interviews, and in-depth investigations. She has conducted interviews with world leaders such as Fidel Castro, Richard Nixon, and Nancy Reagan, as well as cultural figures like Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. Sawyer was the first American journalist to report live from North Korea. At "World News," she created the "Made in America" series, focusing on products manufactured in the United States and supporting American jobs.

Under Sawyer's leadership, the "Hidden America" series expanded to highlight stories of struggle and hope across the country. Her special "A Hidden America: Children of the Mountains" received both a Peabody Award and a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award. Sawyer's documentaries have addressed underreported topics, including the U.S. foster care system and poverty in America. She also contributed to ABC News winning an Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in Television.

Sawyer's reporting has been recognized with numerous awards, including duPont Awards, Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, the grand prize of the Investigative Reporters and Editors Association, an IRTS Lifetime Achievement Award, the USC Distinguished Achievement in Journalism Award, and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. She has been inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame and named a Disney Legend. Sawyer continues to contribute to ABC News by producing documentaries and conducting high-profile interviews, maintaining her influence in the field of television journalism.