Hugh Downs
Highly Respected TV Journalist and Political Commentator
Hugh Downs, one of the most familiar American television figures in the history of the medium, was anchor for ABC News’ 20/20 from 1978 to 1999, concentrating on issues of medicine, science, family, adventure, aging, space and the arts. Selections of Hugh Downs’ widely acclaimed adventure stories and travels around the globe–trademarks of his 21 years with the program–have been aired in special anniversary editions in 1988, 1993 and 1998. Among others, segments on glider aerobatics, diving …
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Hugh Downs, one of the most familiar American television figures in the history of the medium, was anchor for ABC News’ 20/20 from 1978 to 1999, concentrating on issues of medicine, science, family, adventure, aging, space and the arts.
Selections of Hugh Downs’ widely acclaimed adventure stories and travels around the globe–trademarks of his 21 years with the program–have been aired in special anniversary editions in 1988, 1993 and 1998. Among others, segments on glider aerobatics, diving features, covering marine archeology, the Great White Shark (from a cage) and visits to underwater habitats; taking the same astronaut training as John Glenn to cover Sen. Glenn’s return to space in 1998.
In 1990, Hugh Downs anchored a one-hour ABC News special, “Depression, Beyond the Darkness,” which focused on a devastating illness that afflicts as many as 20 million Americans each year. The broadcast examined how the illness can be treated and how individual sufferers and their loved ones cope with the trouble it brings. In 1991 the American Psychiatric Association honored Mr. Downs with its Robert L. Robinson Award for his work on this Special.
Mr. Downs anchored a one-hour Special “The Poisoning of America”, in 1988 as part of the critically acclaimed “Burning Questions” series. This program explored in depth the problems and visible damage we are faced with on land, in the air and in water, and how these changes in the environment may affect our lives in the future. This Special won Mr. Downs his second Emmy Award. In 1985, Hugh Downs hosted a three-hour ABC News Close up documentary, “Growing Old in America”, which examined the problems and harsh realities facing millions of America’s aged and their families.
Mr. Downs has enjoyed a distinguished career in radio and television as a reporter, newscaster, interviewer, narrator and host. In 1985 he was certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as holding the record for the greatest number of hours on network commercial television. His record of over 10,000 hours still holds.
Among a number of Emmy Awards Hugh Downs has received was one for his work as host of the PBS program “Over Easy”; a daytime Emmy Award for “Live from Lincoln Center”, which he hosted for a decade; and for a 1989 in-depth interview with Patty Duke about her struggle with manic depression.
ARA Living Services presented Mr. Downs with their 1991 National Media Award for “excellence in long-term health care reporting” for his 20/20 segment on the problems families face when attempting to place loved ones in quality-care nursing homes.
Hugh Downs holds certificates in Social Gerontology (Hunter College) and Geriatric Medicine (Mt. Sinai Medical School).
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MEDTRONIC
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UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
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BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
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DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
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Hugh Downs dies at 99 | WNT
Remembering Former TODAY Anchor Hugh Down In His Own Words | TODAY
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