A multi-award-winning newsman, Matt Gutman has drawn a massive audience on both the local and international level following his versatility and proficiency. Having been recruited as a correspondent for ABC News Radio, he gradually climbed the ladder of success with hard work, fearlessness, and a unique work ethic to become the network’s Chief National Correspondent.
In more than a decade with ABC News, his passion for the job has taken him to numerous cities across the globe while also establishing him as a formidable force within the field. While he has continued to garner popularity through his career, many have wondered how he was able to build such a larger-than-life reputation, the journalist has also been on the media for other reasons, including his sexuality.
Matt Gutman Was Born in Princeton, New Jersey
Born on December 5, 1977, Matt Gutman is a native of Princeton, New Jersey. He grew up along with his sister Rachel in Westfield. During his formative years, Gutman attended Newark Academy, where he was a very active athletic student. His outstanding prowess in the game of football made him a star player at the time.
Despite his active participation in the game, Gutman’s academics did not suffer because of his extracurricular activities, as he was able to balance both together. Although he posted a stellar athletic record, Matt chose not to pursue a professional career in football. He also attended Williams College, Massachusetts, graduating in 2000.
He Began His Journalism Career As a Freelance Reporter
Fresh from college, the Gutman kick-started his career in journalism as a freelance reporter in Argentina, in the early 2000s. The now-defunct English language Buenos Aires Daily was the first publishing firm that published his maiden article. He landed another gig with Jerusalem Post in 2001, and this had him relocate to Jerusalem, where he had a seven-year stint as a reporter, covering major stories around the Middle East region.
During his stay in the war-torn countries, the journalist covered several events while in the Middle East, including the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. After he left Jerusalem, Matt then worked for USA Today before joining ABC News Radio in 2008.
Making a Big Leap To ABC News Network
Matt Gutman kicked off his ABC News career with the network’s radio station. He later switched to TV and has been giving the network a run for their money over the years; not just as a talented host but also for his immense contributions to the success of popular shows on the network such as ABC News Nightline, Good Morning America, ABC World News Tonight, and their newsmagazine 20/20.
Following his role at the news agency, the dexterous journalist has passed through life ordeals that could have possibly taken his life. In the year 2016, he risked his life to cover Venezuela’s dilapidated health care system. The coverage of the story cost him his freedom as he was detained by Venezuela’s police and intelligence services for five days before he was kicked out of the country.
In recent times, Matt Gutman has established himself as one of the best brains in the field of journalism. He has equally gained vast experiences over the years, and thus, has amassed a sizeable fortune from his media career, with his net worth currently pegged at $1 million.
Gutman Has Recorded Incredible Career Feats
Matt Gutman established himself as a force to reckon with beyond ABC News in 2010 following his in-depth coverage and reporting on the Gulf of Mexico’s oil spill. He later gained the attention of a wider audience in 2014 when he began hosting Sea Rescue, the Emmy Award-winning weekly marine animal series. He went on to host about 120 episodes of the show before it ended in September 2018.
In the course of his career, the proficient reporter has received many accolades. His documentary on the 2017 Las Vegas massacre, which he reported on the newsmagazine 20/20 fetched him an Emmy Award. He also earned a Christopher Award for his comprehensive reporting and coverage of the 2018 rescue mission of twelve boys and their football coach from a flooded cave in Thailand. Additionally, Gutman published the book he wrote about the incident entitled, “The Boys in the Cave” in November 2018.
Why He Was Suspended by ABC News in 2020
On January 29th, 2020, Gutman was suspended by the ABC News for an inaccurate report on Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crash. He alleged on-air that the legendary NBA player was on board with his four daughters on the ill-fated helicopter that killed him and eight other people on January 26th, 2020. Meanwhile, it was the former Lakers superstar, his daughter Gianna and seven others that were killed in the unfortunate incident.
Today I inaccurately reported it was believed that four of Kobe Bryant’s children were on board that flight. That is incorrect. I apologize to Kobe’s family, friends and our viewers. pic.twitter.com/yYwuB9vpZl
— Matt Gutman (@mattgutmanABC) January 27, 2020
However, Matt Gutman owned up to his mistakes and apologized to Kobe’s family, friends, and viewers for conveying such misleading information.
The Award-Winning Journalist Is a Married Man
Matt Gutman has been happily married to his sweetheart, Daphna Gutman since May 18th, 2007. Before marrying his wife, there are no records of the journalist’s dating history, and the details of the couple’s romance from the outset are also unknown. But Matt is believed to have courted his wife for a while before they took the bold step to commit to each other forever.
Together, Matt and Daphna Gutman are proud parents of two children, a daughter named Libby, born in 2011, and a son named Ben that was born in August 2014. The Gutmans has continued to wax stronger together in their blissful journey to forever. Since Matt joined ABC in 2008, he can boast of visiting no less than 40 different countries. Nonetheless, the Los Angeles-based journalist still finds time to balance work and family. Though Matt Gutman and his family made Miami their home base for a long time, they currently live in their Encino villa home in LA.
His wife Daphna Gutman is a Columbia University graduate who kicked off her career by working as a documentation specialist for D.E. Shaw Group. She is currently a principal at the New York City Department of Education. Before attaining the position, she worked as a corporate sales associate at KBC Financial Products and a teacher at the NYC Department of Education.
See Also: Brian Ross – Biography, Wife – Lucinda Sanman, Net Worth, Other Facts
Despite Being Married, Some Think Matt Gutman is Gay
For reasons that are still quite unclear, Gutman’s sexuality has raised eyebrows in some quarters. However, the speculations may be traced to the ABC News’ Chief National Correspondent’s alluring looks or his staunch support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Regardless, Matt Gutman is yet to be romantically linked to any male partner, which further dispels the rumors. Besides, Matt’s marriage and his family, which seemingly has him in the happiest place right now should be a major pointer to the obvious until proven otherwise.
