John Stossel

John Stossel
Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	John Stossel
Caption	Stossel in 2014
Birth date	6 March 1947
Birth place	Chicago Heights, Illinois, U.S.
Alma mater	Princeton University (BA)
Occupation	Television presenter, Columnist, Author
Known for	Consumer reporting, Libertarianism, 20/20, Fox Business Network
Spouse	Ellen Abrams (m. 1970)

John Stossel is an American television presenter, columnist, and author known for his libertarian commentary and investigative consumer reporting. He gained prominence as a co-anchor for the ABC News magazine 20/20 and later hosted programs on the Fox Business Network. His work often champions free-market principles, critiques government regulation, and explores themes of individual liberty.

Early life and education

Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, he was raised in a suburb of Chicago. He attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, before enrolling at Princeton University. At Princeton, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and was involved with the campus radio station WPRB. His early interest in media and reporting began during his college years, setting the stage for his future career in broadcast journalism.

Career in journalism

His career began at KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon, as a researcher and reporter. He later moved to WCBS-TV in New York City before joining ABC News in 1981. At ABC, he became a consumer reporter for Good Morning America and a regular contributor to 20/20, eventually becoming a co-anchor. His investigative segments, such as "Give Me a Break," often challenged conventional wisdom and exposed waste. In 2009, he left ABC to join the Fox Business Network, where he hosted the weekly program Stossel and contributed commentary to Fox News Channel. His reporting style blends investigative techniques with advocacy for libertarian viewpoints.

Political views and advocacy

He is a prominent advocate for libertarianism and classical liberalism, frequently criticizing government intervention in the economy. His commentary supports free-market capitalism, deregulation, and school choice, while opposing programs like the Affordable Care Act and the Environmental Protection Agency. He is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research and a contributor to Reason magazine. His specials for Fox Business Network, such as "John Stossel's Politically Incorrect Guide to Politics," further articulate his views on individual rights and limited government. He has debated figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren on economic policy.

Books and publications

He is the author of several books that expand on his libertarian perspectives. His first book, "Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity," debunks common misconceptions about health, safety, and business. This was followed by "Give Me a Break," which critiques the nanny state and regulatory overreach. His later works include "No, They Can't" and "The War on the Young." He also writes a syndicated column distributed by Creators Syndicate and publishes opinion pieces in outlets like The Wall Street Journal and Townhall.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades for his journalism. He has won 19 Emmy Awards for his reporting on consumer issues and investigative segments. The National Press Club awarded him the Freedom of the Press Award for his defense of First Amendment rights. He has also been honored by organizations such as the American Institute for Economic Research and the Competitive Enterprise Institute for his advocacy of economic freedom. His program on Fox Business Network has been recognized for its commentary on public policy issues.

Category:American libertarians Category:American television journalists Category:Fox News people Category:Princeton University alumni Category:1947 births Category:Living people