Sharyl Attkisson was born on January 26, 1961, in Sarasota, Florida. She grew up in a close-knit family, where she developed a passion for storytelling and investigative journalism from a young age. After completing her high school education, Attkisson went on to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Florida.
Upon completing her degree, Attkisson landed a job at a PBS station in Gainesville, Florida, where she honed her reporting skills and gained valuable experience in the field. In 1990, she made the move to CNN, where she worked as an anchor before transitioning to CBS three years later.
During her time at CBS, Attkisson made a name for herself as an investigative journalist, earning multiple Emmy Awards for her in-depth reports on a variety of topics, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program and the American Red Cross. She was also nominated for Emmys for her groundbreaking stories on the "Gunwalker: Fast and Furious" scandal and the "Firestone Tire Fiasco."
Outside of her work in broadcast journalism, Attkisson has also made significant contributions to the field of media education. In the early 2000s, she co-authored a university textbook titled Writing Right for Broadcast and Internet News, providing valuable insights and guidance to aspiring journalists. In 2014, she published her own book titled Stonewalled: One Reporter's Fight for Truth Against the Forces of Obstruction, Intimidation, and Harassment in Obama's Washington, shedding light on her experiences in the industry.
Attkisson is a proud mother and wife, having raised a daughter with her husband in Washington, D.C. She is known for her dedication to her family and her work, balancing a successful career with her responsibilities at home.
Throughout her career, Sharyl Attkisson has cemented her reputation as a fearless and relentless journalist, unafraid to tackle difficult and controversial topics. Her commitment to truth-seeking and investigative reporting has inspired a new generation of journalists to follow in her footsteps, continuing to hold those in power accountable and shine a light on hidden truths.
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