Byron Pitts, the veteran journalist and co-anchor of ABC News' "Nightline," continues to cement his legacy not just as a reporter of history, but as an inspiring figure who overcame monumental personal obstacles. As of today, December 9, 2025, his story is more relevant than ever, with his recent recognition as a 2025 Horatio Alger Award recipient highlighting a career defined by resilience, faith, and exceptional storytelling.

Pitts’ journey from a functionally illiterate child with a debilitating stutter to one of the most respected voices in American news is a testament to the power of perseverance. This article dives deep into the seven most significant triumphs and current roles that define the extraordinary life and career of Byron Pitts, offering a fresh, up-to-date look at his impact on journalism and education.

Byron Pitts: Complete Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Byron Pitts
• Born: October 21, 1960
• Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
• Education: Ohio Wesleyan University (B.A. in Journalism)
• Current Role: Co-anchor of ABC News' "Nightline" (since 2014) and Chief National Correspondent for ABC News.
• Other Current Roles: Journalist in Residence at High Point University (HPU).
• Previous Roles: Chief National Correspondent for CBS News, Contributing Correspondent for "60 Minutes," Reporter for WBAL-TV (Baltimore), WESH-TV (Orlando), and WNCT-TV (Greenville, NC).
• Book: Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life's Challenges (2009 memoir).
• Notable Awards: Multiple Emmy Awards, National Association of Black Journalists Journalist of the Year (2002), 2025 Horatio Alger Award.
• Personal Struggle: Functionally illiterate until age 12 and struggled with a severe stutter until his early 20s.

The 7 Defining Triumphs of Byron Pitts' Career and Life

Byron Pitts' career is marked by a deep commitment to thoughtful, in-depth reporting. However, the true measure of his success lies in the personal battles he won and the recognition he has earned for his inspiring journey.

1. Conquering Illiteracy and Stuttering to Master the Spoken Word

Perhaps the most profound triumph of Byron Pitts' life is his victory over significant communication barriers. Diagnosed as functionally illiterate until the age of 12, Pitts also struggled with a severe stutter that made simple speech a terrifying ordeal. Growing up in East Baltimore, his teachers deemed him a poor student due to his inability to read directions and his difficulty speaking. His mother, Clarice, played a crucial role, instilling in him the faith and belief necessary to overcome these challenges. His eventual success in journalism—a profession centered on reading, writing, and speaking—stands as one of the most inspiring comeback stories in modern media.

2. The Prestigious 2025 Horatio Alger Award Recognition

In a major and very recent update, Byron Pitts was named a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Horatio Alger Award. This award, given by the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, honors individuals who have overcome great adversity to achieve professional and personal success. The recognition not only celebrates his professional achievements but also validates the inspiring narrative of his life, which he now uses to mentor the next generation of leaders and scholars.

3. Leading ABC News' Nightline as Co-Anchor

Since 2014, Pitts has served as the co-anchor for ABC News' "Nightline" and the network's Chief National Correspondent. In this role, he has delivered thoughtful, long-form journalism on some of the world's most complex issues. His recent reporting has included in-depth features on reparations, the impact of climate change in vulnerable communities, and the unique culture of South Carolina's Gullah Geechee people. His work on "Nightline" is known for its commitment to exceptional storytelling and providing context to major news events.

4. The Transformative Mentor Role at High Point University

Pitts actively engages in education and mentorship as the Journalist in Residence at High Point University (HPU). He regularly leads sessions for students in the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication and participates in the university’s "Access to Innovators" program. This role allows him to share his "Life Skills and Leadership Series" lessons, directly influencing young aspiring journalists and reinforcing the importance of character and perseverance over circumstance.

5. Earning Multiple Emmy Awards for Groundbreaking Coverage

His journalistic integrity has been recognized with multiple national Emmy Awards. A notable example includes his coverage of the 1999 Chicago train wreck and his on-the-ground reporting following the September 11 attacks. These awards highlight his ability to deliver powerful, human-focused stories during moments of national crisis and tragedy, a skill he honed during his tenure at CBS News.

6. The Impact of His Memoir, 'Step Out on Nothing'

In 2009, Pitts authored his memoir, *Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life's Challenges*. The book details his struggles with illiteracy and stuttering, his unstable family life, and the faith that powered his ascent in the television news industry. The title itself, a reference to a phrase his mother often used, has become a mantra for many who seek to overcome their own adversities, significantly expanding his influence beyond the news desk.

7. Distinguished Service as a '60 Minutes' and CBS News Correspondent

Before joining ABC News, Pitts spent many years as a prominent figure at CBS News, where he served as Chief National Correspondent and a contributing correspondent for the iconic news magazine "60 Minutes." His work on "60 Minutes" further established his reputation for deep, investigative reporting and his ability to connect with diverse audiences, covering stories that shaped the national conversation. This prior experience laid the groundwork for his current leadership role at "Nightline."

Byron Pitts: A Legacy of Resilience in Modern Journalism

Byron Pitts' career, spanning over four decades since 1983, is a powerful narrative of defying expectations. He has transitioned seamlessly between the high-pressure environment of breaking news, which he covered extensively for CBS, and the long-form, thoughtful analysis required for "Nightline." His recent accolades, particularly the 2025 Horatio Alger Award, are a powerful reminder that his personal story of overcoming a debilitating stutter and childhood illiteracy is as important as the stories he reports on television. His continued dedication to mentorship at High Point University ensures that his legacy of resilience and ethical journalism will inspire a new generation.