Diane Sawyer

Diane Sawyer was born on December 22, 1945, in Glasgow, Kentucky. She grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and graduated from Wellesley College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967. Sawyer is an American television broadcast journalist known for anchoring major news shows on ABC and CBS. Before becoming a prominent news figure, Sawyer worked in the Nixon White House helping to create public relations strategies.

In 1970, Diane Sawyer joined the White House staff under President Richard Nixon. As a member of the administration, Sawyer helped draft memos and develop public relations strategies, significantly contributing during the Watergate scandal investigations from 1973 to 1974. Her role gave her a unique insight into the government, setting the stage for her later transition into journalism.

In February 1984, Diane Sawyer became the first woman to work as a correspondent on the CBS News program "60 Minutes," marking a significant achievement in her career. This position put her on the national stage and made her a household name. Her work on "60 Minutes" was wel-regarded and opened many doors for future opportunities in the news broadcasting industry.

Diane Sawyer co-anchored the premiere of the ABC investigative news magazine 'PrimeTime Live' with Sam Donaldson on May 19, 1986. The show was known for its hard-hitting interviews and investigative journalism. Sawyer's role at PrimeTime Live contributed significantly to her reputation as a tough, no-nonsense journalist, capable of uncovering the truth behind complex stories.

Diane Sawyer became the co-anchor of ABC's "Good Morning America" starting January 1st, 1999, alongside Charles Gibson. Under her time as co-anchor, the program became a leading morning news show. Her engaging and insightful style helped the show to reach top ratings as she covered significant global events, fostering strong viewer loyalty and critically acclaimed journalism.

On September 11, 2001, Diane Sawyer was on-air during the attacks on the World Trade Center. Her coverage was notable for the clarity and compassion she conveyed during one of America’s most tragic events. Sawyer's reportage from that day became a part of American history as she helped the nation process the immediate and shocking aftermath of the terrorist attacks.

On September 2, 2009, Diane Sawyer was announced as the anchor for ABC World News, an influential position in American journalism. Sawyer took over from Charles Gibson, becoming one of the few women to anchor a network’s flagship evening news program solo. Her influence and presence as anchor helped to shape the evening news into an informative powerhouse until her final broadcast in 2014.

In February 2012, Diane Sawyer conducted an interview with Malala Yousafzai after she was shot by the Taliban for advocating girls' education in Pakistan. The high-profile interview highlighted global attention on women's rights and education in conflict zones. Sawyer’s ability to handle sensitive subjects with tact and empathy brought immense traction and humanized complex global issues for viewers.

On June 25, 2014, Diane Sawyer signed off for the final time as the anchor of ABC World News. This event marked the end of her five-year run as the face of the nightly news program. Under her leadership, the program consistently presented in-depth news segments and human interest stories, influencing public opinion and providing viewers with comprehensive news coverage.

Diane Sawyer returned to the spotlight in March 2020 with an in-depth look into the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on individuals and healthcare systems. Her special program provided impactful interviews with healthcare workers, patients, and experts, presenting the human stories and challenges faced by individuals worldwide during an unprecedented crisis. Sawyer's approach brought empathy and understanding to her audience.