#6: Ted Koppel
Ted Koppel turned Nightline into one of television’s smartest late-night news programs after the show grew from ABC’s ongoing coverage of the Iran hostage crisis. With clipped questions, dry wit, and little patience for evasive answers, Koppel made serious international affairs feel urgent at night. He rarely needed theatrical outrage; a raised eyebrow could do considerable work. For viewers seeking substance instead of celebrity chatter, Nightline became the final appointment before switching off the television.
