Bill Whitaker Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000

Bill Whitaker, an esteemed journalist, has dedicated over four decades to delivering insightful news coverage with CBS News. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, he earned a B.A. in American History from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, followed by a master's in African American Studies from Boston University. Further honing his craft, Whitaker obtained a master's in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. Whitaker's journey with CBS News began in 1984. His early assignments took him to Atlanta, where he reported on significant events such as the collapse of Jim and Tammy Bakker's television ministry, earning him an Emmy Award. By 1989, he was stationed in Tokyo, covering pivotal moments like the pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square and the enthronement of Japan's Emperor Akihito. In 1992, Whitaker transitioned to the Los Angeles bureau, providing in-depth reporting on major West Coast stories and contributing to programs like CBS Sunday Morning, where he profiled notable figures including Barbra Streisand and Mike Tyson. In 2014, Whitaker joined the esteemed team at 60 Minutes, marking a significant milestone in his career. His tenure on the program has been distinguished by impactful investigations, such as his collaboration with The Washington Post on the opioid crisis, which garnered multiple accolades including a Peabody Award and an Emmy. His reporting has also shed light on pressing issues like race relations and the proliferation of "ghost guns" in the U.S. Beyond domestic affairs, Whitaker's journalism has taken him across the globe. He has reported from conflict zones in Afghanistan, covered the aftermath of natural disasters in Japan and Haiti, and provided insights into international events like the funeral of Nelson Mandela in South Africa. His ability to navigate complex stories with depth and nuance has solidified his reputation as a trusted voice in journalism. Throughout his illustrious career, Whitaker has been the recipient of numerous honors, including two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards and the RTDNA's Paul White Award for career achievement. Residing in New York City with his wife, he continues to inform and engage audiences with his unwavering commitment to investigative journalism and storytelling.