What's Happening at CNN

For nearly 30 years Kurtz has gotten the story. As the nation’s preeminent media reporter for the last 15 years, he’s attracted more fire and criticism than just about any Post reporter and created a byline as respected and controversial as any in journalism. He’s written four books, hosts a television show on CNN, writes an online column each weekday—and still finds time to churn out more bylined articles than just about anyone else.

Now in his 15th year on the beat, Kurtz has built himself a powerful franchise—including not just his near-daily stories in the Post’s National and Style sections but also a weekly television show on CNN and a weekday online column.

“I certainly didn’t expect to stay on one beat for so long,” he says. “The beat keeps changing, and I keep reinventing it in ways that keep it fresh and interesting for me.”

Kurtz’s work ethic carries over to television, where he’s had a perfect attendance record, hosting all 52 shows a year. When his latest child was born on a Friday, he was in the anchor chair on Sunday. People who work with him at CNN say he’s involved in every aspect of the show, from booking guests to writing scripts. The show displays some of the lack of polish that makes Kurtz a newspaperman: He reads notes off a clipboard and fiddles with his earpiece.