Bill Whitaker (journalist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Whitaker
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Whitaker at the 2018 Committee to Protect Journalists International Press Freedom Awards
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| Born | August 26, 1951 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. U.S.
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| Education | Hobart College (BA) Boston University (MA) UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism (MS) |
| Occupation | Journalist |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Known for | 60 Minutes |
Bill Whitaker was born on August 26, 1951. He is a well-known American television journalist. Many people know him as a correspondent for the famous CBS News show 60 Minutes.
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Bill Whitaker's Early Life and Schooling
Bill Whitaker was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He went to Hobart College. There, he earned a degree in American history.
He continued his studies at Boston University. He got a master's degree in African-American studies. Later, he also studied journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. He started his career in journalism before finishing his final project. He completed that project in 2016.
Bill Whitaker's Journalism Career
Bill Whitaker began his career in journalism in 1979. His first job was at a TV station called KQED in San Francisco. In 1982, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, to work for WBTV.
From 1985 to 1989, he worked in Atlanta. There, he reported on important political news. In 1984, he joined CBS News. He became a reporter for them.
Reporting Around the World
From 1989 to 1992, Bill Whitaker was a CBS News correspondent in Tokyo, Japan. He covered many big stories from that part of the world. In November 1992, he moved to Los Angeles. He continued his work as a CBS News correspondent there.
Covering Major Events
During his time at CBS, Bill Whitaker has reported on many important events. He covered major disasters like the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan. He also reported on the 2010 Haiti earthquake. He even reported from Kabul during the War in Afghanistan.
Whitaker has also focused on issues related to race and policing. He reported from cities like Cleveland, Chicago, and Tulsa. In Tulsa, he interviewed a former police officer. This officer was involved in the shooting of Terence Crutcher.
Joining 60 Minutes and Jeopardy!
In March 2014, Bill Whitaker became a correspondent for 60 Minutes. This is a very well-known news program. He started reporting for the show in the fall of that year.
In 2021, after the host Alex Trebek passed away, Bill Whitaker was one of the guest hosts for Jeopardy!. He hosted ten episodes of the popular quiz show in May 2021.
Awards and Special Recognition
Bill Whitaker has received special honors for his work. In 1997, his old college, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, gave him an honorary degree. This means they recognized his great achievements.
In June 2015, he received another honorary degree. This one was from Knox College in Illinois.
Bill Whitaker's Personal Life
Bill Whitaker lives in New York City.
