Consumer Reporter Stephanie Zimmermann Joins Brian Ross Investigative Unit

Dec. 5, 2012 — -- Veteran investigative reporter Stephanie Zimmermann, known to readers of the Chicago Sun-Times as "The Fixer," is moving to ABC News to join the Brian Ross Investigative Unit, where she will write a regular consumer column for the Blotter and contribute to "Nightline" as it expands in the coming months.

"Stephanie's the best at what she does," said ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross, "and will be a welcome member of an already accomplished team of investigative reporters."

Zimmermann spent the last 16 years at the Sun-Times, where her popular consumer-help column recovered an estimated $1.4 million for readers who looked to "The Fixer" for help with their consumer problems. In addition, Zimmermann's reporting led to front-page investigations of convicted criminals working as private security guards and exposed toxic levels of lead in children's jewelry.

Her unique brand of consumer reporting will now be featured on an expanded edition of "Nightline" and on a new weekly edition of "Nightline" in primetime to air on Fridays at 9 p.m. starting in March.

"Stephanie is a hugely talented consumer reporter, and we look forward to seeing her exceptional work on behalf of our viewers on-air and online in the coming months," said ABC News Senior Vice President James Goldston. "Her trademark investigations will be a great addition to ABC News."

"The Chicago Sun-Times has been a wonderful home for many years, but I am thrilled for this new opportunity. I look forward to working with the investigative team at ABC News and the talented producers at 'Nightline' to report on stories that impact consumers across the country," Zimmermann said.

Zimmermann earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. She lives in Chicago with her husband and their two children.

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