Geraldo Rivera

In 1969, Geraldo Rivera began his career at WABC-TV in New York City as a reporter for Eyewitness News. He quickly became known for his aggressive reporting style and his ability to tackle challenging stories. Rivera's early work focused on social injustice and civil rights issues, often bringing attention to neglected and underreported topics. His tenure at WABC laid the foundation for his future work and established him as a caring yet combative journalist, known for his willingness to face controversial and difficult subjects head-on.

In 1972, Geraldo Rivera won a Peabody Award for his work on the ABC television series 'Eyewitness News.' Rivera's report exposing the neglect and abuse of patients with intellectual disabilities at the Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, New York, brought national attention to the conditions at state-operated institutions for people with developmental disabilities. His investigative journalism was praised for its impact, leading to significant reforms in the care of people with disabilities. Rivera's work was instrumental in closing Willowbrook and sparked a debate on public policy and ethics in the treatment of people with disabilities.

In 1985, Geraldo Rivera produced a special report for ABC's 20/20 on the sudden and tragic death of Trevor Lucas, an Australian-born musician and a former member of the folk-rock bands Fairport Convention and Fotheringay. The segment highlighted the circumstances surrounding Lucas's death and the broader impact on his music community. Rivera used the story as a touchpoint to explore issues related to health and awareness in the music industry, intertwining personal interviews with an investigation into the pressures performers often face, which can lead to such unfortunate outcomes.

On April 21, 1986, Geraldo Rivera hosted a two-hour live television special entitled 'The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults,' in which he explored a sealed vault once belonging to the notorious gangster Al Capone. The event was widely publicized and garnered significant viewership, with millions of people tuning in to see what Rivera would uncover. However, the vault turned out to be empty, containing only a few bottles and debris, which led to a significant anti-climax. Nonetheless, the broadcast became one of the most-watched syndicated programs, and Geraldo Rivera's name became synonymous with this infamous event.

In 1987, Geraldo Rivera launched his own daytime talk show, 'Geraldo,' which aired for 11 years until 1998. Known for its controversial topics and celebrity guests, the show often delved into tabloid and sensationalist themes, earning a reputation for its theatrical confrontations. One notable incident occurred in 1988 when Rivera's nose was broken during a brawl on stage between white supremacists and civil rights activists. Despite critiques, 'Geraldo' was a ratings success and further established Rivera's career in television.

In 1994, Geraldo Rivera published his autobiography, 'Exposing Myself,' which became a bestseller and offered a personal insight into his life and career. The book provided candid reflections on his complex family life, professional challenges, and numerous controversies. Rivera detailed his experiences with various high-profile stories and personal anecdotes about his journey from a young lawyer to a renowned television journalist. The autobiography was both praised for its frankness and criticized for its sensationalism, much like Rivera's television persona.

In November 2001, Geraldo Rivera joined Fox News as a war correspondent, notable for reporting on the ground during the Afghan conflict post-9/11. Rivera was embedded with U.S. military units and reported from various locations, giving viewers firsthand accounts of military operations and the human impact of the war. Rivera's journalistic style in wartime reporting was characterized by his direct involvement and often controversial takes, drawing both praise for bravery and criticism for sensationalism. His reports contributed to the immersive coverage of early 21st-century wartime journalism.

In 1998, Geraldo Rivera extensively covered the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal as it unfolded, becoming a prominent figure in the media landscape during this pivotal moment in American political history. He provided a mixture of hard-hitting interviews and sensational commentary, which drew both admiration and criticism. Rivera's coverage was part of a broader media frenzy, but he distinguished himself by pushing for those involved to go on the record and by debating legal and moral implications with his guests. His work during this time showcased his ability to navigate complex political scenarios on-air.

In November 2001, Geraldo Rivera joined the Fox News Channel as a war correspondent. He was initially stationed in Afghanistan to cover the war post-9/11 and later reported from Iraq during the Iraq War. His role at Fox News included hosting 'Geraldo at Large,' a newsmagazine program that featured Rivera reporting on various issues. Rivera's tenure at Fox News has been marked by his often controversial and outspoken commentary on current events and his readiness to report from the field, sometimes placing him at the center of strong public and media reactions.

In April 2003, during the Iraq War, Geraldo Rivera was temporarily removed from Iraq as a war correspondent for Fox News. The decision followed an incident where Rivera drew a map in the sand and inadvertently revealed the location of U.S. military forces during a live broadcast. This breach in military security protocols led to widespread criticism and debates about the responsibilities of wartime journalists. Despite the controversy, Rivera was allowed to return to Iraq later in the year, where he continued his coverage, emphasizing his commitment to frontline reporting.