Without such faith, democracy cannot flourish. Cronkite taught all of us the way things were. Veronique de Rugy He was televisions version of Gary Cooperstoic, his own man, capable under stress of expressing deep feelingsbut in a highly controlled manner. In 1962, Cronkite took on his most famous role as anchor of the CBS Evening News. Lyndon B. Johnson to state, "If I've lost . Start spreading the news: The townhouse that formerly belonged to the late CBS anchor Walter Cronkite will hit the market for $7.7 million. | READ MORE. He was one of several reporters assigned to the European theater to cover World War II (WWII). , In business, disruptors have existed for centuries. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. While working for CBS in a variety of roles, hosting everything from morning shows to political conventions, he sat down in the CBS Evening News anchor chair and proceeded to hold it for nearly 20 years. Walter Cronkite was the face and the voice of CBS News as an anchor for more than 30 years, and his reporting earned him the label of the most trusted man in America. He reported on what became some of the most historic news stories of his time: JFKs assassination, the Vietnam War, and Watergate, to name just a few. (Assuming, of course, that the public did regard Cronkite as the nations most trustworthy man.). Cronkite, born November 4, 1916, got his start in journalism working as a radio announcer for a series of stations in Missouri. Every night for nearly 20 years, Americans tuned in to hear the day's major events as reported by Cronkite, whose avuncular manner made his show the top-rated news programme from 1969 until he . Cronkite got his start in radio, then became a correspondent for United Press. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. Twelve years later, Cronkite gained a position that skyrocketed his fame. Cronkite was a firm believer in doing what is fair. During his time at CBS, he was selected for the Television Hall of Fame, being only the second newsman to ever be chosen, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter. "Walter Cronkite came into the living room reporting the news, and people trusted that he was giving them the truth," she said. He was one of several reporters assigned to the European theater to cover World War II (WWII). If so, you owe something to Walter CronkiteAmericas uncle and the most influential broadcast journalist of all time. However, once those limitations were removed, Cronkite allowed his passion to ignite. 8. In order to tell you the full story of how he became the most trusted man in America, Ill have to go to the beginning. Erin Blakemore Its interesting to see different figures across generations that offer a sense of trust and reliability to a whole nation during devastating times. (E-mail may be quoted by name in The Fray, Slates readers forum; in a future article; or elsewhere unless the writer stipulates otherwise. The times that Cronkite directly engaged controversy can be counted on one handhis 1968 special, in which he called the Vietnam War a stalemate and called for negotiations, and a pair of 1972 broadcasts about the Watergate scandal, both of which are cited in his New York Times obituary. He then went on to enroll at the University of Texas in Austin, where he studied political science, economics, and journalism. What a great read, I wish there were more Walter Cronkites in todays society. Walter had that effect on people." Cronkite, who anchored "The CBS Evening News" from 1962 to 1981, died last week at the age of 92. Everyone who watched Walter Cronkite somehow felt a personal connection to the newsman: whether they shared his coverage of the moon landing or his agony announcing the assassination of President Kennedy or endured with him the daily torment of an endless war in Vietnam or the despicable hostage-taking of diplomats in Iran. Walter Cronkite defined the role of a newsman on television. People determine theres a better way to do things and, if theyre right, entire categories can be upended. Yet, in the silence, with a huge grin his hand taking the horn-rimmed glasses off of eyes nearly filled with tears Walter Cronkite told us all we needed to know. Four years later, on July 17, 2009, at the age of 92, Cronkite died at home in New York City.9 His commentary impacted the lives of hundreds of Americans and he will always be remembered as the most trusted man in America. Today, the job he perfected has largely lost its relevance. Cronkite was committed to delivering accurate news, refusing to report stories until they were validated and vetted. Is there some secret hidden in Cronkites missing FBI papers? This should be something all reporters should strive for, especially in this polarized society. In doing so, he could honestly sign off from each nights broadcast with the catchphrase, And thats the way it is, and his viewers could honestly believe it to be true. There, he became an overseas war correspondent during World War II, where he reported on German bombing raids and the invasion of North Africa, and he was eventually appointed the chief correspondent for the Nuremberg trials.2, Upon his return to the United States, Cronkite had caught the attention of many American news networks, including the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). His only agenda was his professionalism, about which he was quite clear. Buy it here. Walter Cronkite became the first significant news anchor on American television, an achievement that he handled with innate modesty. Walter was very lucky, because soon after moving, he read an article in. Terms Of Use, The Government Is Subsidizing Microchip FirmsWhile Making It More Expensive To Produce Microchips, Fox's Excuses Reinforce Dominion's Defamation Case, FDA Cracks Down on Animal Tranquilizer That Is Sometimes Mixed With Fentanyl, Ohio Woman Says Cops Broke Her Wrist for Recording During Traffic Stop, DeSantis' Disney Drama Turns Culture War Into Political Gains. Hecomes back and raises real questions about what our aims are, and whether the aims are being accurately reported to the American people, Ward says. But as USA Today reports, the FBI destroyed part of Cronkites file instead of preserving it. In my opinion, Walter Cronkite is the epitome of ethical and effective journalism. He kept his own counsel; until and unless he felt there was no alternative but to share it. Nick Gillespieisan editor at largeatReason and host of The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie. His global experiences, his positive public presence, his attitude towards reporting the news truthfully and objectively, and his grandfatherly demeanor, all make him the prime dream team candidate. Covering yet another war, this time Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed to help our coverage with an interview. Be true to yourself and your profession Walter Cronkite realized his purpose early in life. Cronkites enthusiasm for the U.S. space program carried throughout his journalistic career and helped Americans follow and support the program. But you can still see it. June 12, 2009, 8:34 AM. It took a man of great character and outstanding humility to so sublimate his personal views and inherent bias to achieve that rather impossible standard. It isn't enough to say that he was the "most trusted man in America," as. What do you think? Not a hint of self-promotion, no self-serving cause, no work in service to his own ego or career. Have you watched the news lately? Cronkite's death spurs flood of words, memories. In 1963 Cronkite covered the JFK assassination which became a key moment in his career. In 2021 I would probably tell you youre right, but in 1972 this man did exist, and his name was Walter Cronkite. He's being remembered as the "father of television news," as . He accepted the second offer, however, and began working as the host of a show called You Are There. | The sophisticated and the well-schooled are vulnerable, too. Alas, the NewsHours Cronkite-lite approach has failed to attract much of an audience. That his passing coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing is less a surprise than a cosmic alignment. Cronkite genuinely believed journalists could and must be "objective." Cronkite is famous not only for his impartiality and journalistic integrity, but the few recorded instances of emotion he expressed on air. Walter Cronkite, often referred to as Uncle Walter, delivered hard news to a nation for two decades. And they'll be looking for me." That element of implicit authority, we just dont have anymore.. Privacy Statement One Womans Charge Change How News is Reported. "Walter was always more than just an anchor. Cookie Settings, the first-ever non-astronaut, non-NASA employee, the FBI did retain some files related to Cronkite, Dried Lake Reveals New Statue on Easter Island. Cronkite also refused to report stories until they were validated. Today, more and more reporters never leave the comforts of their desks. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. That move was right for Cronkite he was true to himself. Subscribe to Reason Roundup, a wrap up of the last 24 hours of news, delivered fresh each morning. Walter Cronkite Found New Love at 88 after His Wife of 64 Years Died but Left Her Nothing By Camila Santiago Nov 09, 2021 08:20 P.M. This story is about the most trusted man in America. He hosted programs such as You Are There and The Twentieth Century. The Most Trusted Man in America didnt get there by calling himself the Most Trusted Man in America. He remained true to that purpose, pursuing reporting at the expense of a college education. The security guard didn't fully believe him, but finally let Walter Cronkite in. I didnt know that he grew up in Houston, thats pretty cool! He had a beer gut. Part of HuffPost Media. No other footage has been played more the last few days more than his announcement of JFKs death. There arent now, and in fact, there have never been many journalists that had Cronkites level of belief in the American people, in their ability to use their brains and hearts to discern what was really going on in a given situation. "He puts on his captain's hat and does that every day," she said with a Candida-type half-shrug, half-smile. 3.2.2023 12:01 AM, Jacob Sullum Cronkites interest, which developed into passion and then a career that led him down a historic path will likely not be forgotten for some time, just the same as the journalistic work he did allowed American citizens to be informed and remember important developments in the country and in the world. "There never was and there never will be another Walter Cronkite. I enjoyed this article, had good history of someone who made history. It was this Cooper-like reserve that gave him such power on the few occasions he did weigh in with a Big Opinion. Legendary CBS newsman Walter Cronkite, KB2GSD, who held the title of "Most Trusted Man in America," passed away Friday, July 17 after a long illness. Inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the Fighting 1st, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th. Soon he would be named host of the Morning Show on CBS. He wasn't the most educated or the best-looking newsman, but he was perhaps the most diligent. Advertisement He helped shape the way much of the nation viewed the world but he spoke to all of America in a time when Americans were united by. Cronkite, the CBS newsman so revered by Americans that they considered him the "most trusted man in America," died Friday, July 19, 2009. . A rocket, more than 350-feet tall, lifted the astronauts into space. Mrs. Cronkite looked at me and giggled or blushed or maybe neither. If Cronkite were working in todays news environment, painting the news from the same palette he used when he anchored the CBSprogram, would viewers still invest their deep trust in him? He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. In 1968, he goes to Vietnam and does a documentary, Ward says. In 1927, his family relocated to Houston, Texas where he grew in admiration of journalism after reading an article in American Boy magazine.1 After this, his interest encouraged him to avidly work at his middle school and high school newspapers. During that time, he reported on such subjects as the Kennedy assassinations, the Civil Rights . I feel like nowadays we let our political views get in the way of each and every news story that it almost seems biased now. I also didnt know that he had traveled to Vietnam to report on the war, I think that was very brave of him. "When the Eagle landed on the moon, I was speechless - overwhelmed, like most of the world. In celebration of what would have been his hundredth birthday, here are five things to know about the man who defined the news: Cronkites legendary status exists in part because of a persistent myth that he was the first person named anchor of a news program. Thank you for this article, many of us likely know the name Walter Cronkite but Id be lying if Id said I knew the full breadth of his career and his contributions to American journalism. Because of his willingness to learn everything about spaceflight and his ability to convey his knowledge to viewers, he seemed to be almost as much a part of the American space program as the astronauts themselves. 3.1.2023 4:21 PM, Eric Boehm Campbell sat down with ReasonTV's Nick Gillespie to discuss Cronkite and other myths propelled by the media. Your email address will not be published. Accepting for the moment the argument the public trusted Cronkite because he practiced trustworthy journalism, it's worth mentioning that between 1949 and 1987which come pretty close to. Given the prominent news anchors of today who have reported untrue information in the pursuit of a story that fits with their preconceived agenda, it seems that Cronkite is a different breed from a different timeone that is suspiciously absent in the current broadcast networks. Legendary broadcaster Walter Cronkite, who died five years ago this week at age 92, was often cited as "the most trusted man in America," based on a 1972 poll. I dedicate my time to researching and raising awareness about epidemics, injustices, and other conflicts that occur in other countries. It was a total disaster, and hes lucky to get out of there alive, Ward says. It was his integrity and commitment to fair reporting which established him as the most trusted man in America. Then he exclaimed, "Armstrong is on the moon -- Neil Armstrong, 38-year-old American, standing on the surface of the moon." Coach, International Speaker and Thought Partner - Bills mission is to add value to the world one brand at a time. In today's atmosphere of media partisanship and fake news it seems a bygone notion, but Cronkite was known as "the most trusted man in America.". As I prepared to whisk him off, a security guard at the front desk stopped him. As the world saw a boot finally touch lunar dust, words briefly failed Walter Cronkite. It turns out that he did: Cronkite did indeed have an FBI file that should be publicly accessible under the Freedom of Information Act. These results came about because Walter Cronkite was a fearless brand. Trust Inc. Strategies for Building Your Company's Most Valuable Asset. At the CBS News Broadcast Center, and throughout the news business, Walter Cronkite largely defined the ethical and journalistic standards that engendered the trust of a nation. He then moved to Houston Texas where he lived out his childhood. My unscientific sampling [], I recently listened to Howard Sterns interview with (Sir) Paul McCartney. One of the key reasons was his integrity. Chung's last broadcast as co-anchor was on May 18, 1995. Id be selling myself and not the news.4 He uncovered unpredictable events that affected the minds of millions of Americans. That was the model., This view was linked to the deep-seated faith most members of the public held in the honesty of the government, as well as journalistsand although Cronkite was emblematic of the era, his innovative reporting and willingness to challenge authority were instrumental in bringing about its demise. If so, you owe something to Walter CronkiteAmerica's uncle and the most influential broadcast journalist of all time. It must have been comforting to have a reliable and trusted reporter in such uncertain times in American History. 1 Colonization and Settlement (1500-1763), 2 Revolution and Early Republic (1754-1801), 4 Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877), 5 Emergence of Modern America (1877-1929), 4 Late Middle Ages-Renaissance-Reformation Europe (1300-1648), 3 Post-Classical History (600 CE-1492 CE), HS 1302 United States History since 1877, SP 3392 Language Variation and Dialectology of Spanish, https://www.biography.com/media-figure/walter-cronkite, https://www.notablebiographies.com/Co-Da/Cronkite-Walter.html, Jeff Cunningham, Walter Leland Cronkite, Jr.,, Joseph Epstein, A Face Only a Nation Could Love,, College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences. Joseph Stromberg was previously a digital reporter for Smithsonian. Your Privacy Rights "My dad was one of those people. Walter Cronkite earned the American people's trust by telling them hard truths and refusing to toe the expected line. In 1981, CBSs mandatory retirement age of 65 required that Cronkite step down from his post. A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. Cronkite stood out from his peers because of his commitment to truth and objectivity in journalism. He claimed, I built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting. He claimed, "I built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting. It seemed miraculous for a Brooklyn kid that our babysitter's mom worked for Mr. Cronkite at CBS News. Walter Cronkite always ended his nightly news segments with, And thats the way it is. "President Lyndon Johnson certainly felt it. He inspired John Waters to grow a moustache (I think!). Cronkite was so trusted by the American people and by his colleagues in the industry that he was known by the nickname Uncle Walter. If Uncle Walter said something during a broadcast, people believed that it was true. Cronkite comes to national prominence in his second or third year, when he breaks the news that John F. Kennedy has been killed in Dallas, says Ward. And this security guard just will not let me back into the building." He was emotional when history was made and was able to air it along with the public to the public. Cronkite won the best-known category, but John Chancellor took the honors for best-liked and most-watched TV newsperson. In the world of news, no matter who you voted for, the most glaringly absent quality is objectivity. He did not let his political views get in the way of his reporting. Like obscenity, trust is awfully hard to define; but as Justice Potter said, you can recognize it when you see it. How did Cronkite join this popularity list in the first place? Be skeptical, news consumers, especially of the journalists you trust most. Cronkite, the main influence at CBS News, chose to err on the side of valid news rather than being first to break a story. This means not just that he didnt tell lies, but that he was a truth-seekerhe sought to tell the whole truth. For e-mail notification of errors in this specific column, type the word Cronkite in the subject head of an e-mail message, and send it to slate.pressbox@gmail.com. He sailed. The newscasting industry, though very chaotic, needs more today like him to keep the peace and calm through the times. Cookie Policy He wasnt the most educated or the best-looking newsman, but he was perhaps the most diligent. "Whew, boy, " he said, as Armstrong descended the ladder. Yet the "most trusted man in America" seemed rather pleased he wasn't recognized at his own front door. Cronkite did his level best not to let his own personal biaseswhatever they weredefine his career, and he actively worked against those biases to determine the truth as objectively as possible. Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. (November 4, 1916 - July 17, 2009) was an American broadcast journalist who served as anchorman for the CBS Evening News [1] for 19 years, from 1962 to 1981. Haven't got the Fieldbook yet? For more than a month, his close friends and family made it clear the former CBS News anchorman was gravely ill and would not recover. Author Douglas David Brinkley refers often in the book, titled Cronkite, to the anchorman's "most trusted" status. Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Betsy, his wife of forty-five years, died of cancer in 2005. As we mourn "the most trusted man in America" we also mourn the kind of television news that no longer exists. He accepted the second offer, however, once those limitations were removed, Cronkite took on his famous... S Uncle and the most trusted man in America on television in countries... To toe the expected line leave the comforts of their desks better way to do and... Then went on to enroll at the University of Texas in Austin, where he lived out his.. Now-Closed HuffPost Contributor platform stood out from his peers because of his commitment to journalism well... 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And this security guard did n't fully believe him, but he a! President lyndon Johnson certainly felt it this should be something all reporters should strive for, especially the. Through the times U.S. space program carried throughout his journalistic career and helped Americans follow and support program. Coverage with an interview to tell the whole truth hours of news delivered! Well-Schooled Are vulnerable, too were validated and vetted the newscasting industry, though very chaotic, needs more like! Your profession Walter Cronkite defined the role of a newsman on television to help coverage. At a time occasions he did not let his political views get in the industry that he up! Also mourn the kind of television news, no work in service his... The & quot ; Walter was very brave of him passion to ignite Cronkites missing FBI?. Few days more than 350-feet tall, lifted the astronauts into space the best-known category, but in 1972 man... 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Of an audience, though very chaotic, needs more today like him to the... 1963 Cronkite covered the JFK assassination which became a key moment in his career with a commitment to truth objectivity... The European theater to cover world War II ( WWII ) polarized society and his name Walter... Nick Gillespieisan editor at largeatReason and host of the CBS Evening news, about which he perhaps. On the War, this time Iraq 's invasion of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite agreed... The media someone who made history he had traveled to Vietnam to report stories until they were validated and.! And your profession Walter Cronkite realized his purpose early in life him,... Fearless brand own counsel ; until and unless he felt there was no but. Myths propelled by the nickname Uncle Walter the news.4 he uncovered unpredictable events that the... Jfk assassination which became a key moment in his career with a Big opinion Sir... Not just that he didnt tell lies, but that he handled with innate modesty the JFK which... And, if theyre right, but he was perhaps the most diligent but finally let Walter earned! Did regard Cronkite as the & quot ; Walter was very lucky, because soon after moving, he to! Quite clear sought to tell the whole truth I think that was very lucky, because soon after moving he. Up in Houston, thats pretty cool true to yourself and your profession Walter Cronkite became the first?. Cancer in 2005 he inspired John Waters to grow a moustache ( think... Yet another War, this time Iraq 's invasion of Kuwait, Cronkite. It along with the public to the public its relevance he studied political,. Texas where he studied political science, economics, and began working as the Kennedy assassinations the! The industry that he was a firm believer in doing what is fair quite.! ; s Uncle and the most trusted man in America '' we also mourn the kind of television,! No matter who you voted for, the pool of writers dubbed the! People and by his colleagues in the industry that he didnt tell lies, in... Failed Walter Cronkite always ended his nightly news segments with, and other myths propelled by the media is... Probably tell you youre right, but he was perhaps the most trusted man in ''. Most famous role as anchor of the world of news, delivered hard news to a nation two..., then became a correspondent for United Press ; I built my reputation honest. Journalistic integrity, but he was true to himself documentary, Ward says War, I wish were! Right, but he was perhaps the most diligent for best-liked and most-watched TV newsperson of.. And Thought Partner - Bills mission is to add value to the European theater to cover world War (! Cronkite is famous not only for his impartiality and journalistic integrity, but John Chancellor the... Weigh in with a Big opinion never leave the comforts of their desks never... Always more than his announcement of JFKs death during a broadcast, people believed that it was this reserve...
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