John Quiñones is one of the most distinguished and recognizable names in American broadcast journalism. An Emmy Award-winning ABC News correspondent, he is best known as the longtime host of the network’s primetime show What Would You Do? and as a veteran reporter for 20/20, Nightline, and World News Tonight.
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 seven 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.
Click here for a gallery of some of John's favorite stories.
Ndoki Rainforest -Coverage of the Congo's virgin rainforest.
To Save The Children - Report on homeless children in sewers of Bogota, Colombia.
Bitter Harvest - Modern Slavery - Children Sugar Cane Cutters in the Dominican Republic
So Like Us - Profile of Jane Goodall