What Happened to Martha Raddatz?
Martha Raddatz is a highly acclaimed American journalist, currently serving as ABC News' Chief Global Affairs Correspondent and co-anchor of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos." She continues to report extensively from conflict zones and on major international developments, and in May 2026, she published her second book, "The Hero Next Door." Her distinguished career will be honored in November 2026 with the National Press Club's Fourth Estate Award.
Quick Answer
Martha Raddatz remains a prominent figure at ABC News, holding the roles of Chief Global Affairs Correspondent and co-anchor of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos." She continues her extensive reporting on national security and foreign policy, often from global conflict zones. In May 2026, Raddatz released her second book, "The Hero Next Door: Stories of Patriotism and Purpose," which shares stories of American service members. Her significant contributions to journalism are set to be recognized when she accepts the National Press Club's prestigious Fourth Estate Award in November 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho
Martha Raddatz was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and later moved to Salt Lake City.
Chief Correspondent at WCVB-TV Boston
Before joining NPR, Raddatz served as the chief correspondent at the ABC News Boston affiliate, WCVB-TV.
Joined National Public Radio (NPR)
Raddatz became the Pentagon correspondent for National Public Radio, a role she held until 1998.
Joined ABC News as State Department Correspondent
Martha Raddatz began her tenure at ABC News, covering the U.S. State Department.
Appointed Senior National Security Correspondent
Raddatz became ABC's senior national security correspondent, reporting extensively from Iraq.
First to Report Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's Death
Raddatz and ABC News were the first news organization globally to break the news of the terrorist leader's death.
Published 'The Long Road Home'
Her book, 'The Long Road Home: A Story of War and Family,' became a New York Times bestseller and was later adapted into a miniseries.
Moderated Vice-Presidential Debate
Raddatz moderated the only vice-presidential debate between Paul Ryan and Joe Biden, receiving widespread praise.
Co-Moderated Second Presidential Debate
She co-moderated the second presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Received George Catlett Marshall Medal
Raddatz was awarded for her sustained commitment to America's armed forces.
Reported from U.S. Capitol during Insurrection
Raddatz provided on-the-ground reporting during the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Interviewed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
Raddatz conducted multiple one-on-one interviews with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, including in June and September 2025.
Published 'The Hero Next Door'
Her second book, 'The Hero Next Door: Stories of Patriotism and Purpose,' was released, featuring stories of American service members.
To Accept National Press Club's Fourth Estate Award
Raddatz is scheduled to accept the National Press Club's highest honor for significant contributions to journalism.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Martha Raddatz, born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in 1953, has built a formidable career as one of America's most respected international and political journalists. After attending the University of Utah, she began her career in local television before becoming the chief correspondent at ABC News' Boston affiliate, WCVB-TV. From 1993 to 1998, Raddatz served as the Pentagon correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR), covering critical defense issues.
She joined ABC News in 1999 as the State Department correspondent, quickly rising to become the senior national security correspondent in May 2003. Her tenure at ABC News has been marked by extensive reporting from conflict zones, including dozens of missions embedded with U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. A notable scoop came on June 8, 2006, when Raddatz was the first news organization in the world to break the news of the killing of terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. She also provided exclusive details on the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011.
Raddatz's expertise extends to political coverage, where she has played a significant role in major elections. She moderated the Vice-Presidential debate in October 2012 between Paul Ryan and Joe Biden, earning widespread praise for her pointed questions and control of the discussion. In 2016, she co-moderated the second presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Beyond her broadcast work, Raddatz is an accomplished author. Her 2007 New York Times bestseller, "The Long Road Home: A Story of War and Family," was later adapted into a National Geographic miniseries.
In recent years, Raddatz has continued her impactful reporting. She covered the January 6, 2021, insurrection from the U.S. Capitol grounds and has traveled to Iran multiple times, including after the 2020 U.S. airstrike that killed Major General Qassem Soleimani. She has also conducted several one-on-one interviews with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, including in June and September 2025, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to covering global conflicts.
As of May 2026, Martha Raddatz remains ABC News' Chief Global Affairs Correspondent and co-anchor of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos." She released her second book, "The Hero Next Door: Stories of Patriotism and Purpose," in May 2026, which highlights stories of American service members and their families. Her career-long dedication to journalism will be recognized with the National Press Club's highest honor, the Fourth Estate Award, which she is scheduled to accept at a gala on November 12, 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Martha Raddatz made different choices?