Sharyl Attkisson

Sharyl Attkisson is an American investigative journalist and author known for her work with major television networks and her focus on government accountability and public health controversies. She gained prominence as a correspondent for CBS News and later as the host of the Sunday morning political program Full Measure. Her reporting has frequently centered on contentious issues involving the CDC, the "Fast and Furious" scandal, and Benghazi, often placing her at odds with official narratives and drawing both acclaim and criticism from across the political spectrum.

Early life and education

Attkisson was born in Sarasota, Florida, and developed an early interest in journalism. She pursued her undergraduate education at the University of Florida, where she earned a degree in Journalism. During her time at university, she worked for the student newspaper, The Independent Florida Alligator, and began her professional broadcast career at a local Gainesville television station. This foundational experience in Florida media provided the groundwork for her future career in national investigative reporting.

Career

Attkisson's national career began at CNN, where she worked as a Miami-based correspondent. She later joined CBS News in 1993, where she served for over two decades as a correspondent and anchor for programs like the CBS Evening News and Face the Nation. Her investigative work at CBS included major reports on the "Fast and Furious" gunwalking operation, the 2012 Benghazi attack, and the Affordable Care Act. In 2014, she departed CBS News and subsequently launched the weekly news program Full Measure. She is also a bestselling author, having written books such as Stonewalled and The Smear, which critique media bias and political manipulation. Her reporting is frequently featured on platforms like Sinclair television stations and The Epoch Times.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Attkisson has received numerous accolades for her investigative work. She is a five-time recipient of the Emmy Award, and has also been honored with the Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting. Her coverage of the Fast and Furious investigation earned her a Gerald Loeb Award, and she received an IRE Award for her reporting on NASA. In 2009, she was part of the CBS Evening News team that won an Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award for coverage of the 2008 financial crisis. These awards underscore her reputation within the industry for tenacious, document-driven journalism.

Controversies and criticism

Attkisson's reporting has frequently sparked debate and drawn criticism from media analysts, political figures, and fact-checking organizations. Her investigations into topics like the CDC's handling of vaccine safety data and the origins of the H1N1 virus have been challenged by scientists and outlets such as PolitiFact and FactCheck.org. Her departure from CBS News was accompanied by public claims of network censorship regarding her stories on the Obama administration, allegations which CBS officials denied. Critics, including commentators from The Washington Post and Columbia Journalism Review, have accused her of promoting conspiracy theories, particularly in her coverage of the Murder of Seth Rich and her skepticism toward the Mueller investigation.

Personal life

Attkisson is married to J. Michael Schmidt, a Florida-based attorney, and they have two children. She has been vocal about her experiences with alleged computer intrusions, which she detailed in her book Stonewalled and in testimony before Congress. In her personal time, she is an advocate for journalistic independence and frequently speaks on issues of media integrity at events and on platforms like C-SPAN. She maintains a residence in the Washington, D.C. area while continuing to produce her independent program.

Category:American investigative journalists Category:American television journalists Category:University of Florida alumni Category:1951 births Category:Living people