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Chris HansenAmerican television journalist and host
Date of Birth: 13.09.1959
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Christopher Hansen: A Renowned Investigative Journalist
- Early Career and NBC News
- Dateline NBC
- "To Catch a Predator" and Other Reality Shows
- "American Gangster" and "Killer Instinct"
- "Crime Watch Daily" and Hansen vs. Predator
- Personal Life and Awards
- Legal Troubles
Christopher Hansen: A Renowned Investigative Journalist
Early Life and EducationBorn in Chicago, Illinois on September 13, 1959, Christopher Edward Hansen's journalistic aspirations sparked at the tender age of 14 while observing the investigation into the mysterious disappearance of union leader Jimmy Hoffa. After graduating from high school in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Hansen pursued a Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications from Michigan State University's College of Communication Arts in 1981.
Early Career and NBC News
Hansen began his career as a reporter at WILX, an NBC affiliate in Lansing, Michigan, before joining WFLA in Tampa. He worked for various radio stations and newspapers in Michigan, and later joined WXYZ in Detroit. In 1988, he became a prominent anchor and investigative reporter at WDIV.
In May 1993, Hansen joined NBC News as a correspondent for the newsmagazine "Now with Tom Brokaw and Katie Couric." He covered significant events such as the Columbine School Massacre, the Oklahoma City Bombing, and the Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski.
Dateline NBC
Hansen's tenure at Dateline NBC included extensive reporting on the 9/11 terrorist attacks, profiling terrorist groups and Al-Qaeda operations. He exposed a plot by a group linked to Osama Bin Laden to purchase missiles and nuclear weapons components, and covered an attempted terrorist attack in France. His investigations led to a Federal Aviation Administration probe and a policy review on airport security.
"To Catch a Predator" and Other Reality Shows
Partnering with the website Perverted-Justice, Hansen produced a series of Dateline NBC exposes titled "To Catch a Predator." Volunteers posed as minors online and met with potential predators, whose interactions were secretly recorded by NBC. Local law enforcement confronted the individuals in subsequent segments.
The popularity of Hansen's "To Catch a Predator" investigations led to the creation of other reality shows targeting con men and identity thieves. In 2007, Hansen published a book on the topic, "To Catch a Predator: Protecting Your Kids from Online Enemies Already in Your Home."
"American Gangster" and "Killer Instinct"
Hansen appeared in the documentary series "American Gangster," providing insights into the Chambers Brothers, a notorious Detroit drug gang. In February 2015, he announced his departure from NBC to host "Killer Instinct" on Investigation Discovery, a series exploring the lives of criminals.
"Crime Watch Daily" and Hansen vs. Predator
Hansen became the host of "Crime Watch Daily" in August 2016, a program focusing on unsolved murders and shocking crimes. During his tenure, the show's ratings increased, particularly among female viewers aged 18-34. A spin-off of "To Catch a Predator" titled "Hansen vs. Predator" premiered as part of the second season of "Crime Watch Daily."
Personal Life and Awards
Hansen is married to Mary Joan Hansen and they have two sons. They reside in Connecticut. He is the recipient of eight Emmy Awards, four Edward R. Murrow Awards, and various accolades from the National Press Club and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
Legal Troubles
In January 2019, Hansen was charged with issuing a bad check for $13,000 to a vendor for merchandise related to marketing events. He pleaded not guilty and was released on a bond. The case is ongoing.
