Byron Pitts biography, wife, family, parents, net worth, salary

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<p>Byron Pitts is a prominent American <a href="/biography/byron-pitts">journalist</a> and author, widely recognized for his work as an anchor and chief national correspondent for ABC News.</p>

<h2>Early Life and Family Background</h2>

<p>Byron Pitts was born on October 21, 1960, in Baltimore, Maryland. Although he was raised in Maryland, his family has deep roots in North Carolina. During his childhood, his mother often sent him to spend time with relatives in the South—his grandmother in the small town of Apex, just outside Raleigh, and his aunt in Raleigh itself. These experiences played a formative role in shaping his early life.</p>

<p>His mother, Clarice, was the matriarch of the family and a pivotal figure throughout his upbringing. In her later years, Clarice was diagnosed with dementia. Despite this challenging period, her family—including her children, siblings, and extended relatives—rallied around her in support. Speaking about this difficult time, Pitts told <em>Journal Now</em>, “It was an awful time for my mom and my family. But we got through it.”</p>

<h2>Education and Early Journalism Career</h2>

<p>Pitts attended Ohio Wesleyan University, graduating in 1982. His first role after college was in the sports information office at Shaw University. In 1983, he landed his first television job in Greenville, North Carolina, serving as a weekend sports anchor and reporter. These early experiences laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in broadcast journalism.</p>

<h2>National Recognition at CBS News and ABC News</h2>

<p>Byron Pitts gained national prominence as chief national correspondent for CBS News, a position he held for 15 years. His coverage of major national and international news events established him as a trusted and skilled journalist. In 2014, he joined ABC News, where he became a chief national correspondent.</p>

<p>He is best known for his work on the late-night news program “Nightline.” In addition, he frequently appears on other ABC News platforms including “20/20” and “Good Morning America.” Pitts has also contributed to the acclaimed CBS program “60 Minutes.”</p>

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<h2>Advocacy and Overcoming a Speech Disorder</h2>

<p>As a child, Pitts struggled with a severe stutter, a challenge that affected both his academic and social life. He was often bullied and isolated, leading to a sense of frustration and loneliness. In an interview with Stuttering Help, he recalled, “I was bullied through elementary school and much of junior high school... For me, it was like living as a prisoner inside a cell.”</p>

<p>In 2009, he released his memoir, <em>Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life’s Challenges</em>, in which he detailed his battle with stuttering and his journey toward becoming a broadcast journalist. Through this book and public speaking, Pitts has become a recognized advocate for people with speech disabilities, helping to raise awareness and provide encouragement to others facing similar obstacles.</p>

<h2>Awards and Literary Contributions</h2>

<p>Pitts has received numerous accolades for his work in journalism. He was awarded an Emmy for his coverage of the Chicago train crash in 1999 and received further acclaim for his reporting during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.</p>

<p>In addition to his memoir, Pitts is the author of another book and has been commended for his literary contributions. He currently serves as a journalist-in-residence at High Point University, where he mentors and inspires future journalists. His dedication to education and storytelling continues to leave a lasting impact on the field of journalism.</p>

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