Steve Hartman is an American broadcast journalist best known for telling uplifting, human-interest stories that focus on kindness, perseverance, and everyday people making a difference. He has spent decades in television news, but he is most widely recognized for his work on CBS News, especially for the popular segments “On the Road” and “Everybody Has a Story.”
Early life and education
Steve Hartman was born in 1970 and grew up in the United States. He attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where he developed an interest in journalism and storytelling. From early on, he was drawn not just to breaking news, but to stories that highlight the human side of life.
Career beginnings
Hartman began his journalism career in local television news, working as a reporter at stations in Ohio and Utah. Like many journalists, he covered a wide range of topics early on, including crime, politics, and daily events. Over time, however, he realized that the stories that mattered most to him — and to audiences — were those that focused on people, values, and personal experiences rather than headlines alone.
Work at CBS News
Steve Hartman joined CBS News and became a national correspondent. He eventually created and became the face of “On the Road,” a recurring segment inspired by legendary journalist Charles Kuralt, who previously used the same title. In these segments, Hartman travels across the United States to find ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
His stories often focus on:
Acts of kindness and generosity
People overcoming hardship or loss
Strong community bonds
Moral lessons and emotional moments
Hartman’s storytelling style is simple, sincere, and emotionally engaging. He often narrates the stories himself, using calm, thoughtful language and allowing the subjects to speak for themselves. His reports frequently end with a meaningful reflection or lesson, which has become his trademark.
“Everybody Has a Story”
Another major project by Hartman is “Everybody Has a Story,” where he randomly selects a person from a crowd and tells their life story. This series reinforces his belief that every individual’s life is meaningful, even if they are not famous or powerful.
Impact and recognition
Steve Hartman’s work has earned him multiple journalism awards, including Emmy Awards, because of his ability to connect with audiences emotionally. Many viewers appreciate his stories as a break from negative or stressful news, offering hope and perspective.
His reporting has influenced how human-interest journalism is viewed, showing that news can be inspiring without being unrealistic and that kindness is worth highlighting.
Personal style and philosophy
Hartman is known for his warm, respectful approach to interviews. He avoids sensationalism and treats his subjects with dignity. His core belief is that goodness exists everywhere, even when it is not always visible in daily news cycles.
Legacy
Steve Hartman is widely regarded as one of the most trusted and beloved storytellers in modern American journalism. Through decades of work, he has reminded audiences that small acts can have big impacts and that ordinary people often carry the most powerful stories.