Josh Mankiewicz

Josh Mankiewicz is an American broadcast journalist and long-time correspondent for the NBC News magazine program Dateline NBC. A member of the prominent Mankiewicz family in Hollywood, he has built a distinguished career in investigative reporting and long-form storytelling, covering high-profile criminal cases and human-interest stories. Known for his tenacious interviewing style and narrative clarity, he has been a fixture on the program since the late 1990s, contributing to its status as a leader in true crime television journalism.

Early life and education

He was born on February 19, 1957, in Los Angeles, into a family deeply entrenched in the American film industry. His grandfather was the acclaimed Academy Award-winning screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, who co-wrote Citizen Kane, and his great-uncle was the celebrated director and writer Joseph L. Mankiewicz. He attended Beverly Hills High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Arizona, where he graduated with a degree in political science. His early exposure to storytelling and public affairs through his family's legacy in 20th Century Fox productions influenced his career path toward journalism.

Career

His broadcasting career began in the early 1980s at local television stations, including WCVB-TV in Boston and KCRA-TV in Sacramento. He later joined CBS News as a correspondent, where he reported for programs like the CBS Evening News and 48 Hours, covering major stories such as the Waco siege and the O. J. Simpson murder case. In 1995, he moved to NBC News, initially contributing to NBC Nightly News and Today. He became a correspondent for Dateline NBC in 1998, where he has since conducted landmark interviews and reported on numerous investigations, including cases like the Laci Peterson murder, the Duke lacrosse case, and the Adnan Syed case. His work often involves in-depth analysis of legal proceedings and has included contributions to MSNBC programming and the NBC News special The Jaycee Lee Dugard Story.

Personal life

He is married to Diane Mankiewicz, a former television producer, and they have two children. The family resides in New York City. He is a first cousin of screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz and an uncle to Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz. Outside of his professional work, he is an avid fan of the Arizona Wildcats and maintains a private life, rarely discussing personal matters in the media despite his public profile.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, he has received several accolades for his journalism. His reporting has been recognized with multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence in television journalism. He has also been part of Dateline NBC teams that have won Peabody Awards for their coverage of significant news events. His investigative work on wrongful convictions and criminal justice has earned commendations from various legal and advocacy organizations.

Filmography

His notable television reporting and contributions are primarily associated with programs on the NBC network. * Dateline NBC (1998–present) – Correspondent * NBC Nightly News (1995–present) – Contributor * Today (1995–present) – Contributor * 48 Hours (1988–1995) – Correspondent for CBS News * CBS Evening News (1988–1995) – Correspondent * The Jaycee Lee Dugard Story (2011) – Correspondent for NBC News

Category:American television journalists Category:Dateline NBC people Category:NBC News journalists Category:1957 births Category:Living people Category:University of Arizona alumni Category:People from Los Angeles