John’s path to national prominence began in Chicago, where he launched his professional career as a reporter for WBBM-TV, the CBS affiliate. It was there that he first earned acclaim for his thoughtful, human-centered approach to journalism—a trademark that would define his decades-long career. In 1982, John joined ABC News, beginning a journey that would take him around the world and into some of the most pivotal stories of our time.

Over more than four decades, John has reported from conflict zones in Central and South America, exposed exploitative labor practices in the U.S., and tackled complex issues like immigration, poverty, and race with depth and compassion. As host of What Would You Do?, he has brought ethical dilemmas into public spaces, sparking national dialogue and revealing the courage—and conscience—of everyday people.

John has received eight national Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, the John F. Kennedy Journalism Award, and many other honors for his investigative reporting and commitment to social justice. He has also been inducted into the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Hall of Fame, recognized not only for his professional excellence but for his work mentoring young journalists and advocating for diversity in the newsroom.

A proud Texan and the son of a housekeeper and a janitor, John’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and belief in the American Dream. From the streets of Chicago to the global stage, he has built a career grounded in empathy, integrity, and the pursuit of truth.

Featured stories from the archive

Ndoki Rainforest (Primetime Live, 1992)

An in-depth look at one of the last untouched rainforests on Earth. John journeys deep into the Congo Basin to reveal the extraordinary biodiversity of the Ndoki Rainforest and the urgent threats posed by deforestation and poaching.

Lost Horizons (Primetime Live, 1991)

Reporting from Tibet, John Quiñones explores the lives of a people struggling to preserve their spiritual and cultural identity under Chinese rule. This rare inside look examines how faith and resilience endure amid political and religious oppression.

To Save The Children  (Primetime Live, 1991)

A powerful report from Bogotá, Colombia, documenting the lives of homeless children living in the city’s sewers. The story captured global attention and earned widespread acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of humanity amid despair.

So Like Us (20/20, 1990)

A thoughtful and intimate profile of primatologist Jane Goodall, exploring her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees and her evolving understanding of humanity’s connection to the natural world.

Bitter Harvest (ABC News, 1987)

John exposes the brutal conditions of child laborers cutting sugarcane in the Dominican Republic—a landmark investigation that revealed modern-day slavery in the global agricultural industry and led to international outcry.