Journalism has been instrumental in shaping our world through diligent reporting and unwavering pursuit of truth. Journalists are the individuals who seek out stories, report events, and provide insightful commentary on societal issues. Their work has often involved significant risks, groundbreaking discoveries, and a steadfast commitment to ethical reporting. Below is a list of some of the most influential journalists of all time. They have been selected for their unique styles, contributions to journalism, historic impact, and dedication to truth and justice.
Famous Journalists
Bob Woodward (1943 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Watergate scandal reporting Bob Woodward’s investigative journalism played a major role in President Nixon’s eventual resignation due to his reporting on the Watergate scandal for The Washington Post. |
Christiane Amanpour (1958 – Present) Nationality: British-Iranian Known For: Fearless war reporting, CNN A prominent figure at CNN, Christiane Amanpour is known for her fearless war reporting and interviews with world leaders, offering a global perspective on critical issues. |
Edward R. Murrow (1908 – 1965) Nationality: American Known For: Pioneering broadcast journalism Edward R. Murrow set standards for news reporting during WWII and later with his television program “See It Now,” becoming a pioneering broadcast journalist. |
Nellie Bly (1864 – 1922) Nationality: American Known For: Investigative journalism, exposé on mental institution Nellie Bly was a groundbreaking investigative journalist, famous for her record-breaking trip around the world and her exposé on a mental institution from the inside. |
Jorge Ramos (1958 – Present) Nationality: Mexican-American Known For: Univision anchor, Latinx community issues Jorge Ramos, a prominent figure in Spanish-language journalism, is known for voicing issues affecting the Latinx community as the anchor of Univision. |
Lara Logan (1971 – Present) Nationality: South African Known For: War reporting, “60 Minutes” correspondent Lara Logan, a courageous correspondent, is known for her war reporting and her work on CBS’s “60 Minutes.” |
Hunter S. Thompson (1937 – 2005) Nationality: American Known For: Gonzo journalism, vivid writing style Hunter S. Thompson, the founder of gonzo journalism, was renowned for his wild and vivid writing style, especially in covering the 1972 presidential campaign. |
Hannah Arendt (1906 – 1975) Nationality: German-American Known For: Reporting on Adolf Eichmann’s trial Hannah Arendt’s reporting on the trial of Adolf Eichmann for The New Yorker was a significant journalistic contribution, despite being primarily a philosopher. |
Walter Cronkite (1916 – 2009) Nationality: American Known For: ‘The most trusted man in America’, CBS Evening News anchor Walter Cronkite, an iconic broadcast journalist, anchored CBS Evening News for 19 years, earning the title ‘the most trusted man in America’. |
Ida B. Wells (1862 – 1931) Nationality: American Known For: Anti-lynching crusade, NAACP founder Ida B. Wells was an early leader in civil rights and a founder of NAACP. As a journalist, she led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. |
Ryszard Kapuściński (1932 – 2007) Nationality: Polish Known For: Foreign correspondent, humanistic reporting Ryszard Kapuściński was a foreign correspondent during the Cold War, known for his daring and humanistic approach to reporting in developing countries. |
Martha Gellhorn (1908 – 1998) Nationality: American Known For: War correspondent, various conflicts coverage Martha Gellhorn, one of the first female war correspondents, covered conflicts from the Spanish Civil War to Vietnam and the Arab-Israeli wars. |
Peter Jennings (1938 – 2005) Nationality: Canadian-American Known For: In-depth international reporting, ABC World News Tonight anchor As the anchor of ABC World News Tonight, Peter Jennings was celebrated for his calm demeanor and comprehensive reporting on international events. |
Robin Roberts (1960 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America”, personal health advocacy Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” is known for her compelling interviews and openly sharing her personal health battles. |
Norah O’Donnell (1974 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News Norah O’Donnell, anchor and managing editor of the “CBS Evening News,” is renowned for her comprehensive coverage of political events and interviews with key figures. |