John Quiñones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Quiñones
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Quiñones in 2013
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| Born |
Juan Manuel Quiñones
May 23, 1952 San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
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| Education | St. Mary's University (AB) Columbia University (AM) |
| Occupation | Journalist, broadcaster, television host |
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Known for | Host of What Would You Do? |
| Spouse(s) |
Nancy Loftus
(m. 1988; div. 2009)Deanna White
(m. 2010) |
| Children | 3 |
Juan Manuel "John" Quiñones (born May 23, 1952) is a famous American journalist and TV host. He is best known for hosting the show What Would You Do? on ABC News. He has won many awards, including 7 Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.
Contents
John Quiñones' Early Life and Education
John Quiñones was born in San Antonio, Texas, on May 23, 1952. His family has lived in San Antonio for many generations. He is also a fifth-generation Mexican-American.
Growing Up and Learning English
John grew up in a home where only Spanish was spoken. He did not learn English until he started school at age six. When he was 13, his father lost his job. The family then traveled to Traverse City, Michigan, to pick cherries. Later that summer, they picked tomatoes near Toledo, Ohio. This showed him the challenges many families face.
High School and College Journey
While at Brackenridge High School in San Antonio, John joined a program called Upward Bound. This program helps high school students from inner cities get ready for college. He went to St. Mary's University and earned a degree in speech communication. After that, he got a master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
John Quiñones' Career in Journalism
John Quiñones has been an ABC News correspondent for over 40 years. He reports for popular shows like 20/20, Nightline, and Good Morning America. He also hosted What Would You Do? and Primetime.
Key Interviews and Reports
In 2021, John interviewed Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez. This was the first time Canelo spoke on network TV about his many boxing championships. The interview was part of a special for Hispanic Heritage Month.
In 2010, John was one of the first journalists to interview Mario Sepulveda. Mario was the first miner rescued from the Chilean miners' disaster. He shared his amazing story of survival. John also interviewed singer Marc Anthony, who spoke about his separation from Jennifer Lopez for the first time.
Undercover Investigations
John Quiñones has done many important undercover reports. He used a hidden camera to show how some clinics were doing unnecessary medical procedures. He also followed a group of people trying to cross into the U.S. through a very dangerous route called “The Devil’s Highway.” These reports helped show important issues.
Focus on Latin American Stories
In 1999, John hosted a special called “Latin Beat.” It looked at the growing influence of Latin talent in the U.S. and how the Hispanic population was changing the nation. He won an ALMA Award for this work.
He also reported from Central America, covering political and economic issues. In the 1980s, he spent almost ten years reporting from countries like Nicaragua and El Salvador for “World News Tonight.”
Challenger Disaster Coverage
In January 1986, John was at Cape Canaveral to cover the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger. He reported live for ABC News when the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster happened.
Starting at ABC News
John joined ABC News in June 1982. He was based in Miami and reported for "World News Tonight." He was also one of the few American journalists reporting from Panama City during the U.S. invasion in 1989. Before ABC News, he worked at WBBM-TV in Chicago and KTRH radio in Houston.
Awards and Recognitions
John Quiñones has received many awards for his excellent journalism.
- George Foster Peabody Award (1999) for "ABC 2000"
- ALMA Award from the National Council of La Raza
- Gabriel Award
- 7-time Emmy Award winner for shows like "Primetime Live" and "20/20"
- World Hunger Media Award for his report on homeless children in Bogota
- Robert F. Kennedy Prize for his report on child sugar cane cutters in the Dominican Republic
- Lifetime Achievement Award from MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) in 2022
- President’s Award for Journalism Excellence from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists in 2022
- Carr Van Anda Award for "enduring contributions to journalism" in 2021
- RTDNA’s John F. Hogan Award for national and international reporting in 2019
