Internationally Acclaimed Storyteller; CBS News Contributor
David Begnaud: Biography at a Glance
- David Begnaud is a CBS News contributor known for his heartwarming and uplifting human interest stories.
- Through his reporting, he connects with audiences and shares little-known stories of everyday people who are doing extraordinary things.
- Previously, Begnaud gained international recognition for his live news disaster storytelling, where his distinctive, unmatched reporting resulted in government action and earned him the prestigious George Polk Award for Public Service.
- At CBS News, Begnaud was the lead national correspondent covering disasters, both man-made and natural, from massacres to mass shootings, earthquakes and volcanoes to a pandemic and civil unrest.
- Through rich personal anecdotes, Begnaud takes audiences on a journey that explores the human spirit and highlights resilience, courage, and remarkable achievements in the face of adversity.
Videos
Biography
David Begnaud has become an iconic figure in journalism, aptly dubbed "America's Storyteller." For nearly a decade, the Emmy Award-winning CBS News Contributor has traveled the country to cover disaster and tragedy with empathy, compassion, and integrity. David was hailed for his reporting on Hurricane Maria's aftermath in Puerto Rico, which won him the George Polk Award for public service as well as international praise for his dedication to telling the stories of those suffering and underserved. He spent more time covering Puerto Rico's recovery than any other network news correspondent, traveling to the island countless times and breaking numerous significant stories.
His expansive use of social media drove home his commitment to exposing injustice wherever he found it. Today, David continues to speak truth through his feature stories, stories that uplift us and remind us of our shared humanity.
As a CBS News contributor, Begnaud previously served as the lead national correspondent for CBS Mornings, covering disasters, both man-made and natural, from massacres to mass shootings, earthquakes and volcanoes to a pandemic and civil unrest. He joined the network in 2015 and his reporting — featured across all CBS News broadcasts and platforms, including CBS Evening News, 48 Hours, CBS Sunday Morning, and CBS News 24/7 — has earned him some of journalism's most prestigious awards. In addition to the George Polk Award, Begnaud received Radio Television Digital News Association's First Amendment Leadership Award for his significant contribution to the protection of the First Amendment and freedom of the press.
Begnaud has covered major live news disasters with his distinctive, unmatched reporting. Begnaud's coverage of important national and international stories is also featured prominently on CBS News 24/7. Prior to CBS, Begnaud covered a wide variety of national breaking news from weather to crime for several news organizations. Previously, he created and reported for "Newsbreaker" at ORA-TV, a social media platform for current events and breaking news and was a contributing correspondent for "Entertainment Tonight," the No. 1 syndicated entertainment newsmagazine in the world.
His career began in local news at KLFY-TV as an unpaid "teen reporter" while in high school, in his home state of Louisiana. Upon graduation, KLFY-TV hired him as a full-time reporter. He later became the weekend morning and evening news anchor. During the week he attended college, and graduated from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette in 2005.
Topics
The Empathy Edge: Lessons from 25 Years of Disaster Coverage
Renowned journalist David Begnaud shares his journey through some of the world's most devastating disasters. With heartfelt stories of resilience and kindness, Begnaud reveals the transformative power of empathy and gratitude.
Drawing from his extensive reporting, Begnaud illustrates how empathy bridges divides and fosters human connection, regardless of ideology. He emphasizes that pain is our greatest teacher, offering profound lessons in strength and compassion. This conversation leaves audiences with an inspiring testament to the human spirit, encouraging them to embrace empathy and recognize the shared humanity that unites us all. Begnaud's insights remind us that in our darkest moments, there is light to be found in the bonds we forge and the lessons we learn from one another.
Everyday Angels: The Power of Storytelling to Inspire Change
Acclaimed journalist David Begnaud reveals how stories can transform lives and drive meaningful change. Drawing from over two decades of reporting, Begnaud introduces "everyday angels"—ordinary people whose extraordinary actions impact their communities and the world.
Through compelling narratives, Begnaud demonstrates how storytelling builds empathy, breaks down barriers, and mobilizes support for important causes. He highlights the power of personal stories to inspire action and create positive change, emphasizing that every voice matters. This deeply inspiring conversation is a celebration of the human spirit and a powerful call to recognize the heroism in our midst. Begnaud's heartfelt words encourage audiences to share their own stories, reminding us that our shared humanity is the greatest story of all.
