20/20 News Anchors: Where Are They Now?

Hey guys! Ever wondered what happened to your favorite news anchors from 20/20? This iconic show has seen some legendary journalists grace its screen, and we're diving into where they are now. Let's take a trip down memory lane and catch up with some familiar faces!

Hugh Downs

When you think of 20/20, Hugh Downs is one of the first names that pops to mind. He was the original anchor when the show premiered in 1978, and his calm, authoritative presence set the tone for what 20/20 would become. Downs wasn't just a newsman; he was a broadcasting icon. Before 20/20, he was a staple on NBC's Today show and even hosted Concentration, a popular game show. His versatility and experience made him a natural fit for the news magazine format. During his time on 20/20, Downs covered a wide range of stories, from in-depth investigations to human-interest pieces. He had a knack for making complex topics accessible to the average viewer, which helped the show gain a wide audience. He left 20/20 in 1999, marking the end of an era. After leaving 20/20, Hugh Downs remained active in broadcasting and continued to pursue his interests in science and space exploration. He even wrote several books, reflecting his diverse passions. Hugh Downs passed away in 2020 at the age of 99, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the world of journalism. His contribution to 20/20 and television news as a whole is immeasurable, and he is remembered fondly by viewers and colleagues alike. He set the standard for future anchors and helped establish 20/20 as a premier news program. His impact on broadcast journalism is undeniable. He was a true professional, a consummate communicator, and a genuinely nice guy.

Barbara Walters

Speaking of legends, Barbara Walters is synonymous with groundbreaking journalism. She joined 20/20 in 1979, just a year after its debut, and quickly became an integral part of the show's success. Walters was already a household name, having broken barriers as the first female co-anchor of a network evening news program on ABC. Her move to 20/20 allowed her to showcase her interviewing skills and journalistic prowess in a more in-depth format. She was known for her tenacious interviewing style, landing exclusive interviews with world leaders, celebrities, and other newsworthy figures. Her ability to get her subjects to open up made for compelling television. On 20/20, Walters covered countless stories, from hard-hitting investigations to celebrity profiles. She had a knack for finding the human angle in every story, making it relatable to viewers. Her interviews were often the highlight of the show, and she had a way of asking the tough questions that everyone wanted to know. Barbara Walters left 20/20 in 2004 but continued to work at ABC News, primarily focusing on her annual 10 Most Fascinating People specials and The View, which she created and co-hosted. She retired from television in 2014, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in journalism. Walters passed away in 2022 at the age of 93. She was a trailblazer for women in journalism, and her impact on the industry is undeniable. She paved the way for future generations of female journalists and her work on 20/20 remains a testament to her talent and dedication. Her interviews were legendary and she will always be remembered as one of the greatest interviewers of all time.

Diane Sawyer

Diane Sawyer is another powerhouse who graced the 20/20 anchor desk. She joined the show in 1999, succeeding Barbara Walters, and brought her own brand of insightful and engaging journalism to the program. Before 20/20, Sawyer had already established herself as a respected journalist, working at CBS News and co-anchoring 60 Minutes. Her experience and credibility made her a natural fit for the news magazine format. During her time on 20/20, Sawyer covered a wide range of stories, from in-depth investigations to profiles of influential figures. She was known for her rigorous reporting and her ability to connect with her subjects on a personal level. She had a way of making complex issues understandable to the average viewer, which helped the show maintain its popularity. Diane Sawyer left 20/20 in 2009 to anchor ABC World News. She continued to anchor ABC World News until 2014, when she transitioned to special projects and long-form interviews for ABC News. She has remained active in journalism, conducting high-profile interviews and producing documentaries. Sawyer is known for her tireless work ethic and her commitment to journalistic integrity. She has won numerous awards for her work, including multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. Her contributions to 20/20 and to the field of journalism as a whole are significant. She is admired for her intelligence, her poise, and her dedication to telling important stories. Diane Sawyer continues to be a leading voice in journalism.

Elizabeth Vargas

Elizabeth Vargas joined 20/20 in 2004, co-anchoring alongside John Stossel and later David Muir. She brought a fresh perspective and a dynamic presence to the show. Before 20/20, Vargas had worked at NBC News and had gained experience as a correspondent and anchor. Her versatility and on-air skills made her a valuable addition to the 20/20 team. During her time on 20/20, Vargas covered a wide array of stories, from investigative reports to in-depth interviews. She was known for her compassionate approach to storytelling and her ability to connect with her subjects. She also openly shared her personal struggles with anxiety and alcoholism, which resonated with many viewers. Elizabeth Vargas left 20/20 in 2018 to pursue other opportunities. She has since focused on producing and hosting documentaries and specials, often focusing on social issues and personal stories. She has also written a memoir, Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction, in which she candidly discusses her struggles and her journey to recovery. Vargas is admired for her honesty, her vulnerability, and her commitment to raising awareness about mental health and addiction. Her time on 20/20 allowed her to showcase her talents as a journalist and her ability to connect with viewers on a deeply personal level. She continues to be a strong voice in the media landscape, using her platform to make a positive impact.

David Muir

David Muir is a familiar face to many, and he co-anchored 20/20 from 2013 to 2018 alongside Elizabeth Vargas. He brought a sharp, incisive style to the program, complementing Vargas's empathetic approach. Before taking the helm at 20/20, Muir had already made a name for himself as a correspondent and anchor for ABC News. His reporting from around the world had earned him numerous accolades and a reputation for being a dedicated and fearless journalist. While at 20/20, Muir continued to cover major news events and conduct in-depth interviews. His background in political reporting and international affairs brought a unique perspective to the show's coverage. Muir is known for his serious demeanor, his probing questions, and his commitment to holding those in power accountable. David Muir became the sole anchor of ABC World News Tonight in 2014, a position he continues to hold. While he no longer anchors 20/20 regularly, he occasionally contributes to the program with special reports and interviews. He has received numerous awards for his work, including multiple Emmy Awards and a Murrow Award. He is highly respected in the field of journalism. His time on 20/20 helped solidify his position as one of the leading news anchors in the country. He continues to be a trusted voice in American households.

John Stossel

John Stossel is known for his libertarian views and his consumer-focused reporting. He co-anchored 20/20 from 1998 to 2009. Before joining 20/20, Stossel had a long career at CBS News, where he made a name for himself as a consumer reporter. His segments often challenged conventional wisdom and questioned government regulations. During his time on 20/20, Stossel continued to focus on consumer issues and economic topics. He often presented stories from a free-market perspective, advocating for deregulation and individual liberty. He was known for his contrarian views, his skepticism of government intervention, and his use of data to support his arguments. John Stossel left 20/20 in 2009 to join Fox Business Network and Fox News Channel. At Fox, he hosted his own show, Stossel, where he continued to explore economic and social issues from a libertarian perspective. He has also written several books, including Give Me a Break and No They Can't: Why Government Fails—But Individuals Succeed. Stossel is admired for his intellectual curiosity, his willingness to challenge the status quo, and his commitment to promoting free-market principles. His time on 20/20 allowed him to reach a wide audience with his unique perspective on the news. He continues to be a provocative voice in the media landscape.

What We Learned

From Hugh Downs to David Muir, the anchors of 20/20 have been some of the most respected and influential figures in journalism. They've brought us in-depth investigations, compelling interviews, and unforgettable stories. Whether they're still on the air or have moved on to other ventures, their contributions to 20/20 and to the world of news remain significant. It's been a wild ride catching up with these legends. They have truly impacted broadcast journalism and they are appreciated for their hard work and dedication.