Peter Jennings

Peter Jennings: biography

He is a prominent T.V. journalist who began his career in Canada and then moved to the U.S.A. Since childhood. He had an outstanding example of a talented broadcaster – his father. That’s why he decided to follow his dad’s steps and tried his hands in journalism. However, Peter was far from success at the beginning of his career, and only with ages, he became a skilled reporter with growing expertise in world affairs. His story is a splendid example of long and hard work without mercy to himself.

Childhood and youth

He was born in Ontario, where Peter spent all his childhood. He has got a sibling sister.

Peter’s father was a prominent radio broadcaster. That’s why since childhood, he was interested in journalism. Thus at the age of nine, he broadcasted the radio show for kids. His father didn’t help Peter to get this job; he was on a business trip and had any idea of his son’s debut on radio. Peter’s father didn’t support any kind of nepotism, that’s why that news shocked him.

When he was eleven, Peter began attending a prestigious private school. He was good at sports and creative activities. Meanwhile, the academic subject didn’t inspire him. The journalist said that he loved comic books and girls and was pretty lazy. As a result, he dropped out the high school. Later he tried attending the other school, but after ten minutes was expelled again.

Nevertheless, the young man dreamt of following his father’s steps and gaining respected heights. As a young man, he had heightened expectations and was immediately disappointed in his first job. He worked as a bank teller and wished to work in a huge department. But the firm located him in a small town. The young man needed exciting activity and found it in theatre society.

Journalism career

The 21-year-old Peter decided to work as a broadcaster. In 1959 he got his first job as a member of the news department. Two years later, he began working for the new T.V. station in Canada. Then he hosted a dance show. The other turning point happened when Peter was 24. He was hired as a co-anchor of Canadian newscast. In 1984 he was sent in the U.S.A. for a business trip. Here he was offered to work on the American network. Full of hesitations, the young man denied, but three months later, he agreed.

Thus he began working for A.B.C., which tried to attract younger viewers. The first years on the new network were hard for Peter. He couldn’t compete with experienced reporters, some people didn’t like his Canadian accent, besides he didn’t understand American culture and affairs. That’s why the young host was named “glamorcaster.”

Foreign correspondent

At the end of the 60s, he decided to become a foreign correspondent. Peter established the first American T.V. news bureau in the Arab world. He got a rich experience and displayed growing expertise in Middle Eastern affairs.

Personal life

The reporter was married four times. His marriage with Kati Marton gifted him, two kids. In 2005 Peter was diagnosed with lung cancer. All his life, he was a vivid smoker, but he managed to give up for ten years. Unfortunately, the reporter began smoking again after 9/11. His net worth was $50 million.

Death

The reporter surrounding his family died on August 7 in 2005 from lung cancer. The number of media personalities announced their condolence to the press. In 2005 the channel released special video compilations of Peter’s reports and interviews. Nine million people watched that special.

Honors and publications

For his productive career he made several publications, among them:

• 1990 Moose Jaw, U.S.A.? Never! Jamais!
• 1999 The Century for Young People

• 2002 In Search of America.

The reporter received numerous accolades, among them:

• 16 Emmys
• 1988-1990, 1992 he was called the best anchor
• 1995 he received the highest honor from the directors association – the Paul White Award
• He gained the honor Edward R. Murrow Award for lifetime achievement
• In 2006 he was named a Disney Legend
• In 2011 he was inducted into television arts and sciences hall of fame.