Born on October 21, 1960, in Baltimore, Maryland, Byron Pitts grew up in a working-class neighborhood, raised primarily by his mother after his parents separated. He battled functional illiteracy and a severe stutter through much of his childhood. Despite this, he attended Archbishop Curley High School before enrolling at Ohio Wesleyan University, where he graduated in 1982 with a degree in journalism and speech communication.

Pitts launched his broadcasting career at WNCT-TV in Greenville, North Carolina. He later worked his way through several local stations before joining CBS News in 1997. Over time, he rose to the position of chief national correspondent for The CBS Evening News and a contributor to 60 Minutes. Then, in 2013, he joined ABC News and was named co-anchor of Nightline in 2014 — a role he continues today. He also reports regularly for Good Morning America, 20/20, and This Week.

Pitts is married to television producer Lyne Johnson Pitts and is the father of three daughters — Brittni, Christiani, and Angela — and stepfather to two sons. His daughter Christiani is a stage and screen actress.