Outstanding Journalists

Born in London and raised in Iran, Christiane Amanpour knew early in life that the way to accomplish her goals was to work hard for them. Coming to the United States shortly after the Islamic Revolution, she studied journalism at the University of Rhode Island. After working her way up in the field, she is now one of the top journalists in the world today. Part of the Outstanding Journalists series, Christiane Amanpour, CNN tells the story of a determined journalist who has reported from some of the most dangerous regions of the world.

Gayle King grew up in a family that watched the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. Although she studied psychology in college, Gayle decided to pursue a career in journalism after graduation. Known by many people as Oprah Winfrey's best friend, Gayle has built an impressive career in her own right. The CBS Mornings co-anchor has won many awards, including the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. Part of the Outstanding Journalists series, Gayle King, CBS tells the story of a woman who has never been afraid to be herself, regardless of anyone else's perception of her.

José Díaz-Balart's father called him 100 percent American and 100 percent Cuban. This seems an apt description of the dedicated journalist who has spent many days reporting the news in both English and Spanish. His ability to communicate in two languages has provided him with some of his biggest opportunities as a journalist. But it is his ability to connect with others that has made José Díaz-Balart such a respected name in the profession. Part of the Outstanding Journalists series, José Díaz-Balart, MSNBC tells the story of a journalist who sees his job as reporting the facts while never forgetting that it is people who make his stories matter.

Had she been born a little later, Robin Roberts would likely have had a successful career in professional basketball. But when she graduated from college, the WNBA had not yet been created. Robin decided to pursue a career in sports journalism. With few women in the field, she helped forge a path for other female journalists. After facing two life-threatening illnesses, she also became a passionate advocate of BE the Match, the largest bone marrow registry in the world today. Part of the Outstanding Journalists series, Robin Roberts, ABC tells the story of how Roberts accomplished her dreams despite numerous setbacks.

Lester Holt always enjoyed talking about important issues. As a child, he spent hours sitting around the dinner table discussing current events with his family. As soon as he entered the field of news broadcasting, he set a long-term goal of getting his dream job. He wanted to anchor the NBC Nightly News. Through years of hard work and determination, Lester fulfilled this dream. Part of the Outstanding Journalists series, Lester Holt, NBC tells the story of how a young reporter became an award-winning anchor whom millions of Americans turn to for their news each evening.

Born into great privilege as a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, Anderson Cooper made his climb to the top of TV journalism on his own. Despite numerous losses in his personal life, Anderson strove forward, risking his own safety at times to cover numerous wars and natural disasters. As the longtime host of Anderson Cooper 360° and contributor to 60 Minutes, he still reports some of the most compelling news on television. Part of the Outstanding Journalists series, Anderson Cooper, CNN tells the story of a man who turned personal tragedies into a drive to tell the compelling stories of others.