Bill Whitaker is an award-winning journalist and storyteller extraordinaire whose voice is synonymous with compelling in-depth coverage that helps audiences make sense of, and connect to, the major news stories of the day. Since 2014, Whitaker has served as a correspondent on the CBS news program 60 Minutes, tackling era-defining issues with his signature calm demeanor and inquisitive mind. In four decades as a cornerstone of CBS News’ coverage, Whitaker has reported on virtually all of the historic headlines that have reshaped society — both domestically and across the globe. Millions of people continue to tune in to hear his gripping perspectives, which capture the imagination and spark constructive discourse.  

Few can match Whitaker’s mastery of unraveling complex narratives with grace and precision and presenting them in a way that truly resonates with audiences. As Whitaker examines the news of the day from unique perspectives, he engages groups with firsthand anecdotes on hot-button issues in society, as well as the influential figures behind the headlines. He is a charismatic presence who hooks audiences with stories offering thought-provoking lessons that spur them to consider what they can be doing to move their organizations and communities forward.

Whitaker’s reporting for 60 Minutes has taken him across the nation and all over the world — including to Asia, Africa, Europe, Mexico, and the Middle East. During this time, he investigated, and brought to light, issues related to the vetting process of Syrian refugees entering the U.S. and interviewed the highest-ranking North Korean official to defect in decades, among countless other reports and contributions to the program. His report on the biggest data leak in Swiss banking history won an Emmy award and his two-part investigation with The Washington Post on America’s opioid crisis was recognized with eight awards and is credited with revealing corruption at the heart of the epidemic. More than 50 percent of 60 Minutes broadcasts during the 2016-2017 season included segments reported by Whitaker.

Whitaker joined CBS in 1984 after beginning his career as a producer, associate producer, researcher, and writer for KQED-TV in San Francisco. Across his tenure, he has reported for CBS Evening News and other CBS News broadcasts, including CBS Sunday Mornings, where he put out feature stories and profiles on cultural icons, such as Barbara Streisand, Norman Lear, and Gladys Knight. He covered Mitt Romney and Michael Dukakis’ presidential campaigns, and was CBS News’ lead reporter on George W. Bush’s 2000 presidential campaign. In between assignments in Atlanta and Los Angeles, Whitaker served as the network’s Tokyo correspondent and covered stories throughout Asia, including the pro-democracy uprising in Tiananmen Square.  

Widely recognized for his groundbreaking stories and insight, Whitaker is the recipient of numerous awards, including Emmy, Peabody, and DuPont-Columbia awards for “The Whistleblower” and “Too Big to Prosecute” episodes of 60 Minutes. In 2018, the Library of American Broadcasting honored him with the “Giant of Broadcasting and Electronic Arts” award. His stories draw attention to key issues in society, while reminding us of the importance of journalism in shaping a more just and informed society. Whitaker’s own journey began as a curious child growing up in the appropriately named Media, Pennsylvania and has led to him becoming a true luminary in journalism illuminating the world one story at a time.

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