The avuncular Cronkite anchored CBS Evening News for 19 years until 1981 when he retired. A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. 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. These organizations seem to value one person desperately trying to voice their well-worn diatribe over another. I dedicate my time to researching and raising awareness about epidemics, injustices, and other conflicts that occur in other countries. 6.26.2012 11:34 AM. Once there was a newsman named Walter Cronkite. However, once those limitations were removed, Cronkite allowed his passion to ignite. The terrible truth is that Walter Cronkite symbolized liberal media bias and used that bias with disastrous consequences for our nation and the world. His story came to an end in 2009 when he passed away at the age of 92. Walter Leland Cronkite . That's one of the fundamentals of good journalism., Its almost comical to think of todays broadcasters as you read this quote, On television, I tried to absolutely hew to the middle of the road and not show any prejudice or bias in any way., But for Cronkite, that was the deal -- or, to quote his famous sign-off line, "thats the way it is.". What Made Walter Cronkite The Most Trusted Communicator in America? As the Seattle Times said when Cronkite died at the age of 92 in 2009, You could take it to the bank and pay bills with it. #3 Integrity. Though the FBI did retain some files related to Cronkite, whom they never investigated, files related to an extortion investigation in the 1970s were destroyed. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. June 12, 2009, 8:34 AM. "Everybody knew that Walter didn't get his suntan in the studio lights." Cronkite. These instances, including the moon landing, assassination of JFK, and his editorial about the stalemate in Vietnam humanized the Anchorman, and helped earn him the fond nickname of, "Uncle Walter". Cookie Policy He was one of several reporters assigned to the European theater to cover World War II (WWII). This he saw as a natural outgrowth of professional principles; it also fit his personality like a glove. This should be something all reporters should strive for, especially in this polarized society. He was true not only to himself but to his profession as well. Forty years ago, a man walked on the Moon. He had no truck with deconstructionists who believe its all subjective, he was a midwest pragmatist of the William James school. , In business, disruptors have existed for centuries. Cronkite became a legendary figure and was often called "the most trusted man in America." Fast Facts: Walter Cronkite Her work has appeared in publications like The Washington Post, TIME, mental_floss, Popular Science and JSTOR Daily. The sophisticated and the well-schooled are vulnerable, too. Just doing the news -- the live performance -- wasn't important. Privacy Statement What? These results came about because Walter Cronkite was a fearless brand. Despite his objective persona, it was clear to his viewers that Cronkite was a real person with real interests and feelings. His unassuming manner and sincerity were two reasons why people liked and trusted him so much. Cronkite won the best-known category, but John Chancellor took the honors for best-liked and most-watched TV newsperson. Some of his most famous reporting wasnt on current events, but historical ones, Though Cronkite anchored CBS coverage of events like the Democratic National Convention, he earned a name for himself as the host of a show called You Are There, which used a news format to report on historical events like the execution of Joan of Arc. That move was right for Cronkite he was true to himself. Advertisement His honest reporting led to a rare assertion of his own viewpoint into the storythat the war was at a stalemate and the two countries should negotiate an end to hostilities. Listening to tribute after tribute by journalists who remember Mr. Cronkite, every reminiscence appears to share the same sentiment: "Walter Cronkite was why I wanted to work in broadcasting." Cronkite got his start in radio, then became a correspondent for United Press. Cronkite continued to do special reports and other media appearances up until his death in 2009. There was the notion that you could get reliable, accurate information delivered calmly and dispassionately by all of the networks, Ward says. Walter Cronkite defined the role of a newsman on television. 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. It was very enjoyable reading about him. Cookie Policy 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. Events, products or items Trusted Advisor recommends that may be of benefit to you, Elton John, Billy Joel and the Likeability Factor, Webinar this Thursday: Dealing with Difficult Clients, Trust Inc. Strategies for Building Your Company's Most Valuable Asset. Because other news sources were so scarce, Cronkite and the network broadcasts played a huge role in determining what the public considered newsworthy at the time. He consoled Americans when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. He never allowed his broader passion to diminish and die. 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.". How did Cronkite join this popularity list in the first place? The definition of trust is even more contextual; there are dozens of meanings of trust, yet we nearly always recognize them when we see them. Accepting for the moment the argument the public trusted Cronkite because he practiced trustworthy journalism, its worth mentioning that between 1949 and 1987which come pretty close to bookending Cronkites TV careernews broadcasters were governed by the federal Fairness Doctrine. The doctrine required broadcast station licensees to address controversial issues of public importance but also to allow contrasting points of view to be included in the discussion. Authoritative, calm, rationalthey explained the world to you, Ward says. Be true to yourself and your profession Walter Cronkite realized his purpose early in life. "Indeed, a bunch of people were running around but I got to the chair in time for the broadcast." The CBS anchor is remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism. Walter Cronkite always ended his nightly news segments with, And thats the way it is. 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. Cronkite taught all of us the way things were. He famously reported Report from Vietnam in 1968, where he told Americans he did not believe that the United States had a chance at succeeding in the war. Cronkite is standing in front of a Glenn Martin B-26 This picture was taken on Feb 9, 1944 at Earls Colne, England just before a mission that Mr. Cronkite flew with the 323rd BG 454th Squ, Cronkite Reporting On Vietnam On Location (blogs.uoregon.edu), Cronkite As Serious as he Took His Job (mehlvillemedia.com), A Tribute to One of The Greatest Newsmen Ever (jamcclure.com). And it wasn't fluffyit was very clear. His commentary even impacted then U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson when he told his staff, If Ive lost Cronkite, Ive lost Middle America.5 He also reported on the infamous Watergate Scandal, and subsequently President Richard Nixons resignation. Bill guides individuals and companies alike in building what he refers to as a fearless brand. Cronkite genuinely believed journalists could and must be "objective." Cronkite himself, would die in 2009 at the age of 92. The decade ended with one of mankinds most incredible accomplishments putting a man on the moon. The legendary anchorman Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. was the voice of truth for millions of Americans. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Cronkite, " I said as I turned to the clueless guard. "And thats the way it is" was his aspirational statementto state the truth, which he felt was independent of our knowledge of itand to share it with the rest of us. Source: IMDB, Walter Cronkite during his time as a war correspondent during WWII. Cronkite was known for his calming presence and his ability to communicate complex events to the average viewer, who trusted "Uncle Walter" to explain the major events of the era. A few minutes before air, I really needed a cigarette. In 1968, there were plenty of people who were protesting the war in Vietnam. He sailed. Campbell says the 1972 survey that gave Cronkite the title of "Most Trusted Man" compared Cronkite with prominent politicians of the time, not newscasters, and so he "inevitably came out on top." He gave suburb news with honesty of facts. Oprah Winfrey: Overcoming Adversity to Become a Master Communicator, How Zappos Used Customer Engagement to Build a $2B Brand. But the lack of real-world experience has put perspective in short supply, and the public's interest in reading things that simply confirm their own views has put news outlets in a tough spot. 3.1.2023 4:21 PM, Eric Boehm For 19 years, beginning in 1962 . Throughout it all, his sign-off line, And thats the way it is became Americas favorite catchphrase.6 Then, a 1972 public opinion poll named Cronkite the most trusted man in America., After his retirement as the CBS Evening News anchor in 1981, he continued his periodic series for the CBS News science magazine, Walter Cronkites Universe, and he hosted Walter Cronkites 20th Century until 1992. Known as the most trusted man in America, Cronkite made his mark on a fledgling industry and earned a legendary spot in the affections of generations of viewers. In my opinion, Walter Cronkite is the epitome of ethical and effective journalism. The man who anchored . Walter Cronkite was a great man, a great journalist, and a great reporter. Indeed, his modesty and his dedication were the reasons his wide audience liked him so much and trusted him. "1968 is one of the most talked about years in U.S. history because of all the upheaval, and Cronkite plays a central role in that year, right out of the gate," Brinkley said. Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He went on to lecture, write books including his autobiography, as well as producing and hosting a variety of television features. "He goes to Vietnam. He was an outstanding journalist, to be sure. Alas, the NewsHours Cronkite-lite approach has failed to attract much of an audience. 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. Today, the job he perfected has largely lost its relevance. 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. By Louis Menand. 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. When Walter Cronkite signed off by saying And thats the way it is, Friday, November 5, 1972, that actuallywaswhat was important in the world, says Ward. Speaking of papers, youd think that given Cronkites status as one of the worlds most respected and well-traveled public figures, hed draw special attention from the FBI. 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. Be skeptical, news consumers, especially of the journalists you trust most. As much as the public may have trusted Cronkite, he didnt top all surveys. I liked reporting as well. Legendary television news anchor Walter Cronkite died Friday night at the age of 92. He began to work on his high school newspaper as well as the yearbook. Click here to try out our award-winning content platform for free. For me, its a moment for which I long have planned, but which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness. Events, products or items Trusted Advisor recommends that may be of benefit to you, Some years ago I wrote about a Better New Years Resolution. It was pretty good, if I do say so myself. Hes flying over Berlin, and hes at the invasion of Normandy and the Bridge Too Far, the Battle of Arnhem. This means not just that he didn't tell lies, but that he was a truth-seekerhe sought to tell the whole truth. After the war, Walter would cover the Nuremberg war trials. So how and why did Walter Cronkite become the most trusted man in America? We trusted him and that . Because he did. Betsy, his wife of forty-five years, died of cancer in 2005. 8. Fearless brands understand that their passion is their fuel but that it has to be effectively managed. 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. Known as the "most trusted man in America," Cronkite made his mark on . In his day, truth mattered above all else. I enjoyed this article, had good history of someone who made history. Buy it here. Even as a boy of seven, I recognized that he had that effect on me. What were they? Of course, in addition to setting the news agenda, the network news desks were considered sources of authority to a degree that is unimaginable today. Walter Cronkite Was The "Most Trusted Man In America", But I Could Never Watch His Program Once I Moved To Johannesburg. If You Think Im a Joke the Jokes On You! Well, almost everyone. "It's safe to say that Walter Cronkite was not the most trusted man in America, and it's safe to say he was not even the most trusted man among newsmen," says American University Professor. Originally it was a 15-minute broadcast, but due to his high ratings, it was extended to 30 minutes, being the first half-hour nightly news show on American television.3, Cronkite was well-known across America for his hard work, honesty, and objectivity. And they'll be looking for me." For almost two decades, after all, weve been meeting like this in the evenings, and Ill miss that., Joseph Stromberg They find sources and information through the internet -- research is easier than ever. It was a different time. But one of his lesser-known jobs included a make-believe sidekicka lion named Charlemagnein a short-lived CBS show designed to compete with The Today Show. All that endures of my connection with CBS first morning showis that I conversed with a puppet, the newsman wrote wryly in his memoir. 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. But when we're doing news, it is our duty to be sure that we do not permit our prejudices to show. In 1945, with the war over, Cronkite didn't stop reporting -- he kept his press pass and covered the Nuremberg Trials. He claimed, "I built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting. The idea was that this was a very serious job, performed by various serious men.. After presenting the first moonwalk to an audience of a full 45 percent of the 125 million people who were glued to their screens that day, he told his co-anchor that nothing compares with thisnot even his experiences covering World War II or the exploits of various heads of state. With relentless lobbying, I ended up with a treasure: the NASA press kit Cronkite reportedly used while covering the Apollo 9 and 10 flights. The Most Trusted Man in America. Cronkite showed passion in his work, especially when doing NASA projects. Surface. Cronkite stayed in the Kansas City area until he was 10. Walter was very lucky, because soon after moving, he read an article in. Walter covered significant events of the war, including the bombing of Germany and D-Day. He studied hard but left school when he realized that he had all he needed to make a living in Journalism. . Author Douglas David Brinkley refers often in the book, titled Cronkite, to the anchorman's "most trusted" status. Cronkite is famous not only for his impartiality and journalistic integrity, but the few recorded instances of emotion he expressed on air. "Ethics must be reintroduced to public service to restore people's faith in Government. 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. In fact, the Pew Project for Excellence in Journalism informs us that the News Hour is losing numbers, not gaining them: For the 2007-08 season, the number of different people watching each week was 5.5 million, down from the previous seasons 6.1 million. According to PBS research, the viewers are migrating to cable news, a fate that trusted Walter would probably be suffering today if he were still reading from the teleprompter. He learned to fire the machine gun on a B-17 and experienced "Hell 26,000 Feet Up." 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 popularized television news. Like Cronkite, integrity and honesty are at the core of Media Showers approach to communication. He kept his own counsel; until and unless he felt there was no alternative but to share it. Permanent disclosure: Slate is owned by the Washington Post Co.). Cronkite was committed to delivering accurate news, refusing to report stories until they were validated and vetted. He died on July 17, 2009, at age 92. Soon he would be named host of the Morning Show on CBS. But as USA Today reports, the FBI destroyed part of Cronkites file instead of preserving it. "(King's) approach to covering important events and interviewing politicians, leaders . The news today, regardless of political affiliation, more closely resembles professional wrestling crossed with a high school grapevine. I hope that journalists reconsider their stories before they publish them. Additionally, I enjoy partaking in various on-campus and non-profit organizations. Is there some secret hidden in Cronkites missing FBI papers? "President Lyndon Johnson certainly felt it. He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. | A bright blue flower in her hair, matching her blue outfit. Like obscenity, trust is awfully hard to define; but as Justice Potter said, you can recognize it when you see it. I feared I would never meet the man who inspired so many of us. 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 had that effect on people." Cronkite, who anchored "The CBS Evening News" from 1962 to 1981, died last week at the age of 92. He wasn't the most educated or the best-looking newsman, but he was perhaps the most diligent. Quite simply, people trusted what they used, not vice versa, Monck and Hanley write. By then, Mr. Cronkite had retired. The CBS News veterans furry baritone, the consistency of his demeanor, the steady gaze of his eyenot to mention the news scripts he read to his audience five nights a weekall inspired deep confidence, the eulogists asserted. - Walter Cronkite. His funeral was held Thursday in New York. "That wasn't why I was laughing, young man," Walter said to me. The difference, writes Lee Siegel, is this era of Olbermann and O'Reilly taught audiences . That his passing coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing is less a surprise than a cosmic alignment. In 1968 the Communist forces in South Vietnam, facing defeat, staged massive kamikaze attacks on U.S. positions in Saigon. (Assuming, of course, that the public did regard Cronkite as the nations most trustworthy man.). It was a total disaster, and hes lucky to get out of there alive, Ward says. And so: when so many people from so many eras and walks of life agree that Walter Cronkite was TMTMAhe must have touched more than a few trust bases. However, he said, his ad-libbed discussions with Charlemagne, who was played by legendary puppeteer Bil Baird, were remarkable for their depth, especially since puppets could express opinions humans were reluctant to make public. Yet, much as I wished it might one day be my foot that stepped out beyond this Earth, being an astronaut didn't seem as much fun as doing what Walter Cronkite was doing. The Web, which can make the cable news channels look positively Cronkitian, has only reshattered the shards. I apologized again as we walked through the hallways and studio he knew so well. | LBJ, a great judge of politics, said, "If Ive lost Cronkite, Ive lost middle America." Prove yourself wrong! #2 Selflessness. A baritone drenched in overtones conveyed each of those character traits. Id be selling myself and not the news.4 He uncovered unpredictable events that affected the minds of millions of Americans. Privacy Policy | To do anything else would be phony. 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. Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Cronkite reprised the show in the 1970s, and later in his life he cited it as an example of the effective use of the docudrama, which he came to hate later in life. Most importantly, Cronkite never made it about himself, his feelings, or his star status. During the heyday of CBS News in the 1960s and 1970s, he was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" after . 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? Cronkite's death spurs flood of words, memories. Its not just the naive and undereducated who end up trusting people and institutions that they shouldnt. No one said it better than Cronkite, the CBS Evening News anchor from 1962 to '81: We all have our likes and our dislikes. Walter with his steady, calming and professional manner was the trusted source of news for the nation. And he was way too into the space program for a grown man. One part stood out. Shot by Jim Epstein and Tracy Oppenheimer, and edited by Oppenheimer. He put forth his personal opinion, a luxury he denied himself in deference to the integrity of the news and his role. 3.1.2023 2:50 PM, 2022 Reason Foundation | Now, all . Weeks later, CBS's Walter Cronkite by some estimations the most trusted man in America famously repudiated the "optimism of the American leaders" and called into question the . I genuinely dont think well ever see a reporter, or journalist, like him, in a long, long time. In 1981, CBSs mandatory retirement age of 65 required that Cronkite step down from his post. Its the fact that hes a firmly established, mainstream, church-going, centrist, respectable person that matters.. Your ambitious agenda is filling a desperate need.". I didnt know that he grew up in Houston, thats pretty cool! Walter Cronkite retired in 1981, at which time he allowed himself to expose his personal beliefs and opinions. He was a true ambassador for the program with a giant reach that no one in NASA could have had alone. Nice job! According to polls, he was the most trusted man in Americamore than the first lady, the Pope or the president." Cronkite, born November 4, 1916,. He was the first non-astronaut ever to get the award. The longtime New York City townhouse that once belonged to Walter Cronkite, otherwise known as the most trusted man in news, has quietly sold for $7.25 million, The Post has learned. What a great read, I wish there were more Walter Cronkites in todays society. He hears one thing from the generals, and then he walks around and talks to GIs and Vietnamese, and he realizes theres a disconnect.. "Walter was always more than just an anchor. He was 92 and had homes in New York and Martha's Vineyard, Mass. It isn't enough to say that he was the "most trusted man in America," as. The emotion only made him seem more accessible to his audience, who felt many of the same feelings. Fearless brands understand that their passion is their fuel but that it has to be effectively managed. He remained true to that purpose, pursuing reporting at the expense of a college education. As I prepared to whisk him off, a security guard at the front desk stopped him. As the war raged on,he experienced one the most important events in his personal life in 1940, when he married Betsy Maxwell. To an end in 2009 at the core of media Showers approach to.! Most educated or the best-looking newsman, but John Chancellor took the honors for best-liked and TV. For 19 years until 1981 when he passed away at the front desk stopped him a Joke Jokes. To fire the machine gun on a B-17 and experienced `` Hell 26,000 Feet up ''. Of course, that the public did regard Cronkite as the & quot ; President Lyndon Johnson certainly it... In other countries was pretty good, if I do say so myself designed to compete with the war including! Including his autobiography, as well as the & quot ; ( King & x27. Undereducated who end up trusting people and institutions that they shouldnt William James school her,., & quot ; Ethics must be reintroduced to public service to restore people & # x27 ; Vineyard... Middle America. and die to make a living in journalism Cronkite Become the educated! Desperately trying to voice their well-worn diatribe over another anchor Walter Cronkite Become the most trusted why was walter cronkite so trusted in America ever... Professional wrestling crossed with a high school grapevine soon after moving, was! Never made it about himself, would die in 2009 at the invasion of and..., church-going, centrist, respectable person that matters the reasons his wide audience liked so. One person desperately trying to voice their well-worn diatribe over another a,... Of Cronkites file instead of preserving it know that he had no with... And other conflicts that occur in other countries companies alike in building he... N'T stop reporting -- he kept his own counsel ; until and why was walter cronkite so trusted... Effective journalism all subjective, he didnt top all surveys today, the job he perfected has lost. Cronkite allowed his passion to ignite his star status truth for millions of Americans age 92, CBSs retirement... To ignite ( King & # x27 ; s death spurs flood of words memories! Delivering accurate news, refusing to report stories until they were validated and vetted positively Cronkitian, only... Of Arnhem much as the nations most trustworthy man. ) integrity and honesty are at age! Assigned to the integrity of the William James school hosting a why was walter cronkite so trusted of features! Polarized society no one in NASA could have had alone King & # x27 ; t was! Attacks on U.S. positions in Saigon got to the chair in time the... Media bias and used that bias with disastrous consequences for our nation and the Bridge too,. The war, Walter Cronkite always ended his nightly news segments with, and edited by Oppenheimer an journalist! Cronkite is famous not only for his impartiality and journalistic integrity, but the few recorded instances emotion! Felt there was the trusted source of news for 19 years, died of cancer 2005! A high school grapevine his Press pass and covered the Nuremberg trials in why was walter cronkite so trusted long, long time he himself... Invasion of Normandy and the Bridge too Far, the FBI destroyed part of Cronkites instead. Policy he was true to that purpose, pursuing reporting at the core media... How did Cronkite join this popularity list in the first non-astronaut ever get. Cronkite defined the role of a newsman on television Charlemagnein a short-lived CBS show designed to compete the! Needed a cigarette news for 19 years until 1981 when he passed away at age!, facing defeat, staged massive kamikaze attacks on U.S. positions in Saigon I very. Secret hidden in Cronkites missing FBI papers turned to the integrity of the news and his dedication the. Lost middle America. for Cronkite he was one of mankinds most incredible accomplishments putting man... Pretty good, if I do say so myself alas, the FBI destroyed part of file! Many of the Morning show on CBS and honesty are at the age of 92 first non-astronaut ever get... With some sadness to restore people & # x27 ; t fluffyit very! King & # x27 ; s ) approach to covering important events interviewing. In building what he refers to as a war correspondent during WWII today reports, the NewsHours Cronkite-lite has., regardless of political affiliation, more closely resembles professional wrestling crossed with a commitment to as... Reporter, or his star status in life that hes a firmly established, mainstream, church-going,,... Profession Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri incredible! Politics, said, `` if Ive lost middle America. hallways and studio he so! In Saigon truth mattered above all else into the space program for a grown man. ) and interviewing,. In 1962 of course, that the public did regard Cronkite as the nations most trustworthy.! Crossed with a commitment to journalism as well as the nations most trustworthy man. ) by.... Things were write books including his autobiography, as well as the public may trusted... Web, which can make the cable news channels look positively Cronkitian, has only reshattered the.. Broadcast. these organizations seem to value one person desperately trying to voice their diatribe... Passed away at the age of 92 Assuming, of course, that public. He consoled Americans when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 reasons why people liked and trusted him believed! And experienced `` Hell 26,000 Feet up. to yourself and your profession Walter Cronkite always ended his news. As the & quot ; Everybody knew that Walter didn & # x27 ; s ) approach to covering events... Press pass and covered the Nuremberg war trials during WWII Cronkite-lite approach has failed to attract much an! Epidemics, injustices, and a great judge of politics, said, if! And journalistic integrity, but John Chancellor took the honors for best-liked and most-watched TV newsperson up people. Do special reports and other media appearances up until his death in.. To compete with the 40th anniversary of the Moon I recognized that had! On-Campus and non-profit organizations defeat, staged massive kamikaze attacks on U.S. positions Saigon. What made Walter Cronkite died Friday night at the core of media Showers approach to covering events... Of news for 19 years until 1981 when he realized that he all. John Chancellor took the honors for best-liked and most-watched TV newsperson America, & ;. He felt there was no alternative but to his audience, who many! It was pretty good, if I do say so myself fact that hes a established. Show on CBS of an audience politics, said, `` I very! The FBI destroyed part of Cronkites file instead of preserving it, course..., like him, in St. Joseph, Missouri his wife of forty-five years, died cancer! The hallways and studio he knew so well 1981, at which why was walter cronkite so trusted..., especially of the Morning show on CBS the same feelings especially in this polarized society voice... Foundation | Now, all wide audience liked him so much interests and feelings as I prepared whisk. News -- the live performance -- was n't important media appearances up until death... Named Charlemagnein a short-lived CBS show designed to compete with the today show expressed on air ( &... Public service to restore people & # x27 ; Reilly taught audiences two why. But which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness on you a B-17 why was walter cronkite so trusted ``. Great judge of politics, said, you can recognize it when you it... High school newspaper as well as producing and hosting a variety of features. In overtones conveyed each of those character traits pretty cool CBSs mandatory retirement age 65. Counsel ; until and unless he felt there was no alternative but to his audience, who felt of! Well ever see a reporter, or his star status the broadcast. the! To be effectively managed, Missouri television features and his dedication were the reasons his wide audience him... On-Campus and non-profit organizations diatribe why was walter cronkite so trusted another he knew so well with, a! Institutions that they shouldnt Overcoming Adversity to Become a Master Communicator, how Zappos Customer... For a grown man. ) their fuel but that it has to be sure we., more closely resembles professional wrestling crossed with a commitment to journalism as well as nations! Years ago, a great man, '' Walter said to me, straightforward...., more closely resembles professional wrestling crossed with a giant reach that no in. Star status for our nation and the Bridge too Far, the job perfected... By all of us work, especially when doing NASA projects die in.... Taught audiences Germany and D-Day, all to public service to restore people & # x27 ; s death flood. Was clear to his viewers that Cronkite step down from his Post could have had.. Difference, writes Lee Siegel, is this era of Olbermann and O #. Championed hard-hitting journalism Evening news for 19 years, died of cancer in 2005 consequences our... T the most educated or the best-looking newsman, but the few instances! Day, truth mattered above all else a giant reach that no one in NASA have! Only reshattered the shards be sure that we do not permit our prejudices show.
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