20/20 E-Mail: July 16, 2004

Sept. 15, 2004 — -- People often ask me, "how long does it take to put a program together?" There is really no easy answer to that question, since every program is different. But go ahead and ask that question about this week's program, because I cannot wait to give you the answer: 25 years!

This week I happily celebrate my quarter-century at 20/20 with a two-hour special we are calling 25 on 20/20. (It starts an hour earlier than usual: 9 o'clock in most of the country, 8 o'clock in the Central time zone.) You will meet many of the famous — and infamous — people I have had the opportunity to interview over the past 25 years. We are talking about the great, the near-great and the never-great!

I've been fortunate enough to have interviewed every president since Richard Nixon, and their first ladies, too. I have traveled the globe to interview world leaders, and I am proud to tell you that I have also visited some of the best prisons in this country. That's where you go to interview murderers and those accused of murder — and I've met more than my share of each.

You'll see Mark David Chapman, who killed John Lennon; Lyle and Erik Menendez, who killed their parents; and Robert Blake, awaiting trial for the murder of his wife. And those are just three entries in my rogues' gallery!

Some of the most notorious scandals and scoundrels of the past 25 years are also represented. Sex, politics and money do mix.

I will be introducing you again, as well, to some special people who inspired me more than any celebrity or head of state. Christopher Reeve, for example, who has never given up hope that he will someday get out of his wheelchair and walk. You will share with me an amazing moment as we are able to watch Chris reach a new plateau in his recovery: he breathes without the aid of his mechanical respirator.

I hope you will join us for my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revisit some remarkable people and some wonderful moments. 25 on 20/20 airs from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time) on Friday. Please try not to miss it!