Top-Rated Speakers Bureau and Entertainment Booking Agency for Corporate Meetings and Business Events. Book an AAE Speaker Today.
Top-Rated Speakers Bureau and Entertainment Booking Agency for Corporate Meetings and Business Events. Book an AAE Speaker Today.
Click to Open Search Bar

Bill Kurtis

4 out of 5

TV Journalist, Producer, Narrator and News Anchor; Host of A&E's "Investigative Reports," "American Justice" and "Cold Case Files"

REQUEST BOOKING INFORMATION

Bill Kurtis Biography

An acclaimed documentary host and producer, network and major market news anchor, multimedia production company president, and grass-fed cattle rancher, Bill Kurtis has been earning the respect of his peers and viewers for more than 46 years.

Born in Florida and reared in Independence, Kansas after his father retired as a career Marine officer, Bill graduated from The University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. He attended Washburn University School of Law where he was awarded a Juris Doctor degree.

Bill Kurtis began his career at WIBW-TV in Topeka, Kansas. In 1966, after being recognized for his 24-hour coverage of a devastating tornado, Kurtis was hired by WBBM-TV in Chicago where he was field reporter and later anchor of The Channel Two News. In 1978, his investigative unit was first to report on the defoliant Agent Orange and how it affected American forces in Vietnam. In the course of covering that story, he returned to Vietnam in 1980 and found that children of American servicemen -- Amer-Asians -- were living in the streets of Saigon, their mothers unable to find jobs. It became a cover story in the New York Times Magazine. His reporting resulted in legislation that (1) allowed the children immediate access to the United States and (2) launched massive studies of Vietnam veterans to make Agent Orange exposure eligible for compensation and treatment. It established a new standard of care for veterans that continues to expand nearly 37 years after the War. In 1982, Kurtis became co-anchor of the CBS Morning News with Diane Sawyer. He returned to Chicago & WBBM-TV as anchorman from 1985-1996 and was reunited with co-anchor Walter Jacobson in the fall of 2010.

Retiring after 30 years with CBS, he established Kurtis Productions, traveling to the far ends of the earth for the Peabody Award-winning series "The New Explorers," which aired on PBS. Kurtis Productions also created programs for the A&E Television Network, including the long-running, award-winning "Investigative Reports" and "Cold Case Files" as well as "Investigating History" for The History Channel. Kurtis has also served as the host of A&E's "American Justice" -- the longest running non-fiction justice series on cable. "Cold Case Files" was nominated for 2004 and 2005 Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Nonfiction Series. Kurtis Productions helped launch the 'golden age' of documentaries on cable television and continues to produce such programming like "American Greed" on CNBC.

One episode of "Investigative Reports" dealt with Richard Speck, convicted killer of eight student nurses in Chicago in 1966. It detailed his shocking lifestyle inside the Stateville Correctional Center, an indication that inmates were more in control of the prison than authorities. It resulted in the most sweeping changes to the penal system in Illinois history.

Kurtis is also an author. "The Death Penalty on Trial: Crisis in American Justice" explores issues surrounding capital punishment in America and "On Assignment" explores some of the major stories he covered in his early career.

In his home state of Kansas, Kurtis is an active conservationist. His 10,000-acre Red Buffalo Ranch is located in the Flint Hills, the largest remaining tract of tallgrass prairie in America.

In 2005, Bill founded Tallgrass Beef Company to champion the environmental and health benefits of grass-fed cattle ranching. Today, Tallgrass Beef can be found in restaurants, supermarkets, and on the Internet.

Mr. Kurtis is the recipient of numerous humanitarian, journalism and broadcasting awards.

He is a member of the board of directors of several distinguished organizations including The Nature Conservancy of Illinois, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Zoological Society, the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Field Museum of Chicago and the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library in Springfield, Illinois.

Videos
Books
The Death Penalty on Trial: Crisis in American Justice

The Death Penalty on Trial: Crisis in American Justice

Bill Kurtis: On Assignment

Bill Kurtis: On Assignment

News
FAQs
  • HOW TO BOOK Bill Kurtis?

    Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Bill Kurtis for both live and virtual events for over 15 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment. Fill out a booking request form for Bill Kurtis, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Bill Kurtis or any other celebrity of your choice.
  • HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BOOK Bill Kurtis?

    Speaking fees for Bill Kurtis, or any other keynote speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The amount that Bill Kurtis charges to speak often varies according to the circumstances, including their schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. The speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Bill Kurtis, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.
  • WHO IS THE AGENT FOR Bill Kurtis?

    All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Bill Kurtis for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Bill Kurtis for your next private or corporate function.
  • WHAT IS A FULL-SERVICE TALENT BOOKING AGENCY?

    All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Bill Kurtis or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Bill Kurtis or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.
Check Availability

Tell us about your event!

During normal business hours, we respond to most inquiries within 4 hours.

Users also viewed these speakers:

This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.

Bill Kurtis

4 out of 5

TV Journalist, Producer, Narrator and News Anchor; Host of A&E's "Investigative Reports," "American Justice" and "Cold Case Files"

Travels From:
Mettawa, IL, USA
Speaking Fee:

Bill Kurtis Biography

An acclaimed documentary host and producer, network and major market news anchor, multimedia production company president, and grass-fed cattle rancher, Bill Kurtis has been earning the respect of his peers and viewers for more than 46 years.

Born in Florida and reared in Independence, Kansas after his father retired as a career Marine officer, Bill graduated from The University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. He attended Washburn University School of Law where he was awarded a Juris Doctor degree.

Bill Kurtis began his career at WIBW-TV in Topeka, Kansas. In 1966, after being recognized for his 24-hour coverage of a devastating tornado, Kurtis was hired by WBBM-TV in Chicago where he was field reporter and later anchor of The Channel Two News. In 1978, his investigative unit was first to report on the defoliant Agent Orange and how it affected American forces in Vietnam. In the course of covering that story, he returned to Vietnam in 1980 and found that children of American servicemen -- Amer-Asians -- were living in the streets of Saigon, their mothers unable to find jobs. It became a cover story in the New York Times Magazine. His reporting resulted in legislation that (1) allowed the children immediate access to the United States and (2) launched massive studies of Vietnam veterans to make Agent Orange exposure eligible for compensation and treatment. It established a new standard of care for veterans that continues to expand nearly 37 years after the War. In 1982, Kurtis became co-anchor of the CBS Morning News with Diane Sawyer. He returned to Chicago & WBBM-TV as anchorman from 1985-1996 and was reunited with co-anchor Walter Jacobson in the fall of 2010.

Retiring after 30 years with CBS, he established Kurtis Productions, traveling to the far ends of the earth for the Peabody Award-winning series "The New Explorers," which aired on PBS. Kurtis Productions also created programs for the A&E Television Network, including the long-running, award-winning "Investigative Reports" and "Cold Case Files" as well as "Investigating History" for The History Channel. Kurtis has also served as the host of A&E's "American Justice" -- the longest running non-fiction justice series on cable. "Cold Case Files" was nominated for 2004 and 2005 Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Nonfiction Series. Kurtis Productions helped launch the 'golden age' of documentaries on cable television and continues to produce such programming like "American Greed" on CNBC.

One episode of "Investigative Reports" dealt with Richard Speck, convicted killer of eight student nurses in Chicago in 1966. It detailed his shocking lifestyle inside the Stateville Correctional Center, an indication that inmates were more in control of the prison than authorities. It resulted in the most sweeping changes to the penal system in Illinois history.

Kurtis is also an author. "The Death Penalty on Trial: Crisis in American Justice" explores issues surrounding capital punishment in America and "On Assignment" explores some of the major stories he covered in his early career.

In his home state of Kansas, Kurtis is an active conservationist. His 10,000-acre Red Buffalo Ranch is located in the Flint Hills, the largest remaining tract of tallgrass prairie in America.

In 2005, Bill founded Tallgrass Beef Company to champion the environmental and health benefits of grass-fed cattle ranching. Today, Tallgrass Beef can be found in restaurants, supermarkets, and on the Internet.

Mr. Kurtis is the recipient of numerous humanitarian, journalism and broadcasting awards.

He is a member of the board of directors of several distinguished organizations including The Nature Conservancy of Illinois, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Zoological Society, the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Field Museum of Chicago and the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library in Springfield, Illinois.

Bill Kurtis Videos

  • An Introduction to Tallgrass Beef by Bill Curtis - YouTube
  • Acclaimed broadcaster and documentary host Bill Kurtis packs Saint ...
  • Bill Kurtis' Red Buffalo Ranch - YouTube

Bill Kurtis Books

Speaker Lists Featuring Bill Kurtis

FAQs on booking Bill Kurtis

  • How to book Bill Kurtis?

    Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Bill Kurtis for both live and virtual events for over 20 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment. Fill out a booking request form for Bill Kurtis, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Bill Kurtis or any other celebrity of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Bill Kurtis?

    Speaking fees for Bill Kurtis, or any other keynote speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The amount that Bill Kurtis charges to speak often varies according to the circumstances, including their schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. The speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Bill Kurtis, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.
  • Who is the agent for Bill Kurtis?

    All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Bill Kurtis for clients worldwide for more than 20 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Bill Kurtis for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service talent booking agency?

    All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Bill Kurtis or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Bill Kurtis or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.

Bill Kurtis is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Bill Kurtis for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Bill Kurtis generally travels from Mettawa, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Calvin Trillin, Linda Ellerbee, Juan Williams, Van Jones and Bob Costas. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Bill Kurtis for an upcoming live or virtual event.

Bill Kurtis Speaker Videos

  • An Introduction to Tallgrass Beef by Bill Curtis - YouTube
    Acclaimed broadcaster and documentary host Bill Kurtis packs Saint ...
  • Bill Kurtis' Red Buffalo Ranch - YouTube
    Bill Kurtis: Renowned Journalist, TV Host, Keynote Speaker ...
  • Bill Kurtis Interview | Journalist | Documentarian-p1 of 6 - YouTube
    Bill Kurtis brings his true crime tales to Studio Q - YouTube

Bill Kurtis News

Tell us about your event!

During normal business hours, we respond to most inquiries within 4 hours.

  • Customized Service

    Our agents find the right fit for your event

  • Unparalleled Database

    Full access to all speakers & celebrities

  • One Stop Shopping

    A reliable and unbiased point of contact

  • Logistics Management

    Your personal Logistics Manager who takes care of all event details

Speakers Similar to Bill Kurtis

This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.

TOP