Bill Kurtis

Bill Kurtis is a journalist, television host, producer, and narrator recognized for his sonorous voice and his significant contributions to broadcast journalism. Kurtis began his career in the 1960s as a reporter for WIBW-TV in Topeka, Kansas. His career in broadcast news took off when he provided on-the-scene coverage of a tornado outbreak in Topeka in 1966, a broadcast that set the stage for his distinguished career.

Following his start at WIBW-TV, Kurtis joined WBBM-TV in Chicago, where he co-anchored the 10 p.m. newscast and became a trusted and respected anchor. During his 30-year tenure at CBS, he covered major stories such as the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the Robert F. Kennedy shooting, and the Chicago Seven conspiracy trial, earning him numerous accolades, including two Peabody Awards, several Emmy Awards, awards from the Overseas Press Club, and a DuPont Award. He has also been inducted into both the Illinois and Kansas Halls of Fame.

Apart from his news career, Kurtis established a prominent presence in documentary television after forming his own production company, Kurtis Productions. He produced and narrated nearly 1,000 documentaries, including series like "Investigative Reports," "American Justice," and "Cold Case Files," which aired on A&E. One of his notable achievements was the acquisition of a videotape showing Richard Speck, which led to significant changes in the Illinois penal system. He also narrated the documentary film "Carbon Nation" and lent his voice to "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" and its sequel. His distinctive voice and engaging storytelling style have earned him a prominent role in various other television and radio projects, including National Public Radio (NPR)'s news comedy/quiz show "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" and the host of "Through the Decades," a documentary-style news magazine on Decades (now Catchy Comedy).

Further to his success in broadcasting, Kurtis is interested in environmental causes and sustainable agriculture. He founded the Tallgrass Beef Company, raising and distributing grass-fed, hormone-free organic beef. His other commitments include authoring books like "On Assignment," "Death Penalty on Trial," and "Prairie Table Cookbook." Kurtis also contributed a spoken-word introduction to The Dandy Warhols' album "Odditorium or Warlords of Mars" and recorded descriptions and meditations for the interactive pathway of the Shrine of Christ's Passion.