Early Life and Family Background

Byron Pitts was born on October 21, 1960, in Baltimore, Maryland. Although he was raised in Maryland, his family has deep roots in North Carolina. During his childhood, his mother often sent him to spend time with relatives in the South—his grandmother in the small town of Apex, just outside Raleigh, and his aunt in Raleigh itself. These experiences played a formative role in shaping his early life.

His mother, Clarice, was the matriarch of the family and a pivotal figure throughout his upbringing. In her later years, Clarice was diagnosed with dementia. Despite this challenging period, her family—including her children, siblings, and extended relatives—rallied around her in support. Speaking about this difficult time, Pitts told Journal Now, “It was an awful time for my mom and my family. But we got through it.”

Education and Early Journalism Career

Pitts attended Ohio Wesleyan University, graduating in 1982. His first role after college was in the sports information office at Shaw University. In 1983, he landed his first television job in Greenville, North Carolina, serving as a weekend sports anchor and reporter. These early experiences laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in broadcast journalism.

National Recognition at CBS News and ABC News

Byron Pitts gained national prominence as chief national correspondent for CBS News, a position he held for 15 years. His coverage of major national and international news events established him as a trusted and skilled journalist. In 2014, he joined ABC News, where he became a chief national correspondent.

He is best known for his work on the late-night news program “Nightline.” In addition, he frequently appears on other ABC News platforms including “20/20” and “Good Morning America.” Pitts has also contributed to the acclaimed CBS program “60 Minutes.”