William James O'Reilly Jr., known professionally as Bill O'Reilly, is an American conservative commentator, journalist, and author, and a former television host born on September 10, 1949, in New York City. He began his broadcasting career in the late 1970s and 1980s, working as a reporter for local television stations across the United States, including in Scranton, Denver, and later for CBS News. His early professional life also included stints as a high school teacher in Miami, Florida, after graduating from Marist College, and he briefly played minor league baseball. He furthered his education with a master's degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University and later earned a degree from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in the mid-1990s. His career shifted to national prominence when he joined Fox News Channel in 1996, launching 'The O'Reilly Report,' which evolved into the highly rated 'The O'Reilly Factor,' a program known for its conservative critique of liberal policies, cultural issues, and political events. O'Reilly anchored 'The O'Reilly Factor' from 1996 until 2017, during which it became one of the most watched cable news programs, solidifying his status as a leading voice in conservative media. He has authored numerous books, including bestsellers in the 'Killing' series co-written with Martin Dugard, which explore historical events through a narrative lens. O'Reilly has also ventured into radio with 'The Radio Factor.' Despite his success, his tenure at Fox News ended amid sexual harassment allegations, leading to his departure and a significant settlement. Post-Fox, he continues to produce content through his website, No Spin News, and podcast, maintaining influence in conservative circles while facing ongoing criticism for his commentary style and past controversies.