Chris Hansen’s name burst into the public’s consciousness in the early 2000s when he hosted NBC’s groundbreaking show “To Catch a Predator”. Through this investigative series, viewers were able to witness first-hand as predators attempted to exploit minors for sexual gratification.
Chris Hansen and his team quickly became a hit with viewers tuning in each week to watch them apprehend the perpetrators. But what is the beloved investigative journalist up to now? Let’s find out!
Early Career
Before he became renowned for hosting “To Catch a Predator,” Chris Hansen had already established himself as an experienced journalist and anchor through his work with various news stations across America. His beat included crime, politics, and sports coverage—among other topics.
In 1993, Hansen began his illustrious career as a correspondent at NBC News. During the course of these two decades, he reported on major events like the Oklahoma City bombing and O.J Simpson trial–garnering several Emmy Awards throughout his tenure!
“To Catch a Predator”
Launched in 2004, “To Catch a Predator” became an immediate phenomenon. Hansen and his crew worked to lure adult men into conversations by impersonating underage children in chat rooms; thus, the series gained traction as one of the most-watched shows on TV.
Subsequently, the team would arrange a meeting with the potential predator at a secretly equipped house. Once they arrived and Hansen confronted them with evidence of their online conversations, typically these people tried to deny any wrongdoing; yet in the end, when police officers waiting outside apprehended them, it was clear that denying wasn’t an option anymore.
The series garnered acclaim for its attempt to shed light on online child predation and raise awareness of protecting children from potential harm in the digital realm. Nonetheless, it also attracted criticism due to its techniques of entrapment as well as potentially influencing the legal process involving those caught on camera.
After “To Catch a Predator”
In 2008, after four seasons of his successful show “To Catch a Predator,” Chris Hansen chose to pursue new avenues as a journalist. For the next eight years, he lent his voice and expertise to multiple news networks before launching an ambitious Kickstarter campaign in 2016 for another online series – “Hansen vs. Predator.” Miraculously, it was quickly funded and debuted later that year on Crime Watch Daily. Since then, this investigative-style series has continued Chris’ strong tradition of uncovering potential predators with great success!
In 2019, Hansen was once again thrust into the spotlight when he was apprehended for purportedly writing a series of fraudulent checks to purchase promotional materials related to “Hansen vs. Predator.” Subsequently, after failing to show up in court for his trial, he faced larceny charges. This episode had major repercussions on Hansen’s credibility and character and raised several queries about the same.
Current Work
Present-day, Chris Hansen continues to thrive in the realm of journalism and broadcasting. He is the host of “Have a Seat with Chris Hansen,” which can be found on YouTube delving into captivating topics such as true crime, politics, and contemporary societal issues.
In the same style as his previous works, Hansen deliberates with guests and examines their views on a variety of matters. He also hosts an online podcast called “Predators I’ve Caught,” where he recounts his experiences working on “To Catch a Predator” and speaks to other people who have worked on the program.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Hansen is a spokesperson for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Further, he has been actively involved in organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of America and the United Way which are committed to helping those in need. Through these initiatives, he continues fighting against social injustice while advocating for individual rights everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Throughout the years, Chris Hansen’s career has had its ups and downs; however, his impact in battling online child predation cannot be understated. Despite facing harsh criticism for his tactics, he continues to spearhead a movement that brings awareness to this pressing issue on an international level. The plight of children around the world is uplifted through his work – something that should not go unnoticed.
Despite the trials he has endured in recent years, Chris Hansen remains devoted to making the world a safer place for children. His current show and podcast further highlight his commitment to tackling online child predation and sharing powerful stories of survival. On top of that, involvement with various charitable organizations reveals an unwavering dedication to impacting young people’s lives positively.
To sum up, Chris Hansen is still a huge presence in the broadcasting and advocacy sector despite not being as visible as he once was. He has been essential in combating online child predation, which continues to be an enormous danger to children’s safety. It will be interesting where his career leads him moving forward but one thing is certain: his dedication to this issue won’t fade anytime soon.
