why was walter cronkite so trusted

Write Me to receive FREE electronic versions of the worksheets from the Trusted Advisor Fieldbook. Source: IMDB, Cronkite on the Cbs Evening News. "Walter Cronkite came into the living room reporting the news, and people trusted that he was giving them the truth," she said. Walter Cronkite, longtime anchor of the CBS Evening News. , In business, disruptors have existed for centuries. "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. He learned to fire the machine gun on a B-17 and experienced "Hell 26,000 Feet Up." With quiet clarity and some ferocity, I let the security guard know the man before him was the Walter Cronkite, and we would not be showing him any identification and we would, right now, be on our way. Charles L. Ponce de Leon February 1, 2013. This was a fascinating article about a journalist that I have never heard of before. Walter Cronkite was a journalist who defined the role of network anchorman during the decades when television news rose from being the neglected stepchild of radio to a dominant form of journalism. | He inspired John Waters to grow a moustache (I think!). Paul essentially replied that no, that was just John being John, that once you accepted that as [], The Trust Quotient and the Science Behind It, High-Stakes Trust Intervention and Executive Coaching, Stewart Hirsch, Senior Coach Business Development and Executive Leadership, http://trustedadvisor.com/public/trusted_advisor1.png, Why Walter Cronkite Was the Most Trusted Man in America. Click here to try out our award-winning content platform for free. While in college, he worked as a part-time journalist for the Houston newspaper. He covered events such as the moon landing, the assassination of JFK, and Vietnam. He never allowed his strong liberal leaning to affect his reporting. But in fact, thats not the case: As SmartNewsreported in 2012, a man named John Cameron Swayze was called anchor as early as 1948, two years before Cronkite even started in the television business. It will make you smarter and keep them honest. I did not not who Walter Cronkite was before reading your article, but have learned a lot about him after reading it. For me, its a moment for which I long have planned, but which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness. 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". But those who worked . | In a world saturated with reality TV and tell-all blogs, you have to look harder to see itthat sense of self-reserve, tough but with a soft centerthat used to be middle Americas ideal self-image. Walter Cronkite defined the role of a television news anchor. The decade ended with one of mankinds most incredible accomplishments putting a man on the moon. June 12, 2009, 8:34 AM. Cronkite refused to allow his personal beliefs to affect his job of reporting accurate news. Public mistrust of the government reached a new level, and Cronkites interview of Ellsbergcaptured ina photographnow among the National Portrait Gallerys collectionsbecame one of the many iconic moments of his career. Privacy Statement He said as much over and over, As journalists covering politics, most of us are aware of the necessity to try to be sure we're unbiased in our reporting. Haven't got the Fieldbook yet? Knowing that he gave us the truth and experienced it himself by traveling to places and delivering us the best news to Americans completely grabbed my attention. Other reasons we shouldnt have trusted Cronkite. What? If so, you owe something to Walter CronkiteAmericas uncle and the most influential broadcast journalist of all time. 3.1.2023 4:21 PM, Eric Boehm Headlines now titillate stories to fuel political dogmas, often voicing opinions that bear the semblance of truth but are far from it. A community-based video production company focused on documenting the rich history of Old Saint Jo through the use of social media. 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. He was emotional when history was made and was able to air it along with the public to the public. Though Rather never said so publicly, CBS News insiders said he did not approve of her appointment. He then moved to Houston Texas where he lived out his childhood. The best show recs delivered to your inbox. It isn't enough to say that he was the "most trusted man in America," as. One of the key reasons was his integrity. He left school to work for the Houston Post, moved onto sports reporting in Oklahoma City and eventually was hired by United Press International (UPI). This he saw as a natural outgrowth of professional principles; it also fit his personality like a glove. The broadcast was just moments away. He was true not only to himself but to his profession as well. Walter Cronkite, often referred to as Uncle Walter, delivered hard news to a nation for two decades. Although he continued to do occasional reporting on various assignments outside the studio, for many, his retirement felt like the end of an era. Words fail to describe the magnificence of this accomplishment. The avuncular Cronkite anchored CBS Evening News for 19 years until 1981 when he retired. After the war, as the TV news era blossomed, Cronkite was there to become one of its key figures. Additionally, I enjoy partaking in various on-campus and non-profit organizations. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Cronkite, " I said as I turned to the clueless guard. The answer is in the psychology of trust. Walter Cronkite was at the center of a fascinating moment in the history of American mass media, and the television news that he came to embody was fleeting and highly unusualan attempt to produce serious journalism in a medium associated with escapism. I doubt it. He kept his opinions, like his emotions, largely to himself. Theres the famous moment where he starts to lose his composure, and he takes his glasses off, as he shares the news with the nation., One of the main elements of Cronkites appeal, though, was the fact that he presented the days news with an objectivity and reserve that Americans expected in anchormen at the time. His latest cause was world government and. If so, you owe something to Walter CronkiteAmerica's uncle and the most influential broadcast journalist of all time. #1 Honesty. In moments that shocked the country, Cronkite was able to deliver hard news with diligence. Read More. After he retired, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in. | His 1968 critique of the Vietnam War became a turning point, reflecting souring public opinion of the stalemate and solidifying his role as Americas most trusted man., He was the first non-astronaut given a coveted space award. Cronkite's death spurs flood of words, memories. He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. McLaughlin, who . Essays by over 30 trust experts. Just days ago, I paged through this relic: amazed at the audacity of the race to the moon and the memory of Cronkite's undisguised glee as Neil Armstrong touched the surface of a new world. "There was a reason why Walter was called the most . Well, almost everyone. 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. The news monopoly the three broadcast networks enjoyed for two decades has been shattered by the three cable news networks, all of which embrace (and thrive on) the controversy that Cronkite eschewed. Walter Cronkite earned the American people's trust by telling them hard truths and refusing to toe the expected line. Reading about Walter Cronkite was very interesting since he was an fascinating man who took his passion to the next level, I really enjoyed reading this article. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Your Privacy Rights The legendary anchorman Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. was the voice of truth for millions of Americans. As much as the public may have trusted Cronkite, he didnt top all surveys. Cronkite was a firm believer in doing what is fair. Available now! Nick Gillespie and Tracy Oppenheimer #2 Selflessness. | READ MORE. He consoled Americans when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. 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. As we mourn "the most trusted man in America" we also mourn the kind of television news that no longer exists. If Cronkite were alive today, he would tearfully lament the political tribalism that permeates through news organizations. In 2005, Cronkite suffered a great loss when his wife Betsy died of cancer. "There never was and there never will be another Walter Cronkite. Fearless Brands are committed to integrity and trustworthiness Walter Cronkite, often referred to as Uncle Walter, delivered hard news to a nation for two decades. I left my jacket and wallet in the studio and we're going to be on the air in a few minutes. The award, which is named for the late CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite, honors leading figures in journalism. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). <p>'The most trusted man in America's fan mail was still . Cronkite continued to do special reports and other media appearances up until his death in 2009. | No cable news. 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. Walter Cronkite Was The "Most Trusted Man In America", But I Could Never Watch His Program Once I Moved To Johannesburg. It was a total disaster, and hes lucky to get out of there alive, Ward says. - Walter Cronkite. "Everybody knew that Walter didn't get his suntan in the studio lights." Cronkite. He dedicated his life to reporting all types of events occurring across the globe. Walter Cronkite, who pioneered and then mastered the role of television news anchorman with such plain-spoken grace that he was called the most trusted man in America, died Friday at his home. 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. According to polls, he was the most trusted man in Americamore than the first lady, the Pope or the president.. He began to work on his high school newspaper as well as the yearbook. And it wasn't fluffyit was very clear. Cronkite, born November 4, 1916, got his start in journalism working as a radio announcer for a series of stations in Missouri. 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. Cronkite won the best-known category, but John Chancellor took the honors for best-liked and most-watched TV newsperson. Permanent disclosure: Slate is owned by the Washington Post Co.). 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. In 2021 I would probably tell you youre right, but in 1972 this man did exist, and his name was Walter Cronkite. A key to being a fearless brand is having conviction of self. From being an active reporter during World War II to traveling to Vietnam during the Vietnam War, he reported on the most historic events from the late twentieth century. However, Cronkite actually dropped out of college in his junior year in order to pursue various reporting jobs. Cronkite was the face of CBS from 1962 to 1981. During the 1960s and 1970s, he was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" after being so named in an opinion poll. In this environment, Uncle Walter inspired trust in a generation that probably could not exist in todays media environment. What a great read, I wish there were more Walter Cronkites in todays society. If you need to flag this entry as abusive. Integrity would not allow that. His voice was always calm and true. Scroll down for downloadable versions and subscribe to ReasonTV's YouTube Channel to receive automatic updates when new stories go live. Host Steven Scheuer interviews television anchor and broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, "the most trusted man in America," about his time as a journalist . I apologized again as we walked through the hallways and studio he knew so well. Your email address will not be published. This should be something all reporters should strive for, especially in this polarized society. Have you watched the news lately? But the passing of the man known universally as The Most Trusted Man in America also offers us one last chance to learn from him. Cookie Policy Cronkite finished fourth in best-liked, behind Harry Reasoner, who placed second, and Howard K. Smith (ABC News), who placed third. He had no truck with deconstructionists who believe its all subjective, he was a midwest pragmatist of the William James school. Walter wanted the public to get detailed stories so at the end of the first broadcast, he encouraged viewers to check their local newspapers for the full stories. Reading the encomiums in his honorand watching the raw man-in-the-street interviews Friday nightthere is a clear hierarchy of what people meant when they said they trusted Walter Cronkite. After the war, Walter would cover the Nuremberg war trials. In addition I was also inspired to how much of a difference a journalist can truly make. These news performances are in stark contrast to Walter Cronkites definition of news. Thats where the family lived until moving to Houston, Texas when Walter was 10-years-old. July 18, 2009 -- One day after legendary reporter and anchorman Walter Cronkite died, colleagues and admirers are mourning the loss of "the most trusted" voice that led America through 40 years of . "Walter was always more than just an anchor. These are all key aspects of being a true journalist and it showed when it came to Walter Cronkite. He was an outstanding journalist, to be sure. Like obscenity, trust is awfully hard to define; but as Justice Potter said, you can recognize it when you see it. Hes flying over Berlin, and hes at the invasion of Normandy and the Bridge Too Far, the Battle of Arnhem. As I discussed in an earlier post Want to know that youre right? Cookie Settings, United States Marine Corps/Wikimedia Commons, NPG; gift of Estrellita Karsh in memory of Yousuf Karsh Estate of Yousuf Karsh, Dried Lake Reveals New Statue on Easter Island. Just doing the news -- the live performance -- wasn't important. Turn on the TV, and watch one of three networks for a 30-minute broadcast with an anchor who speaks with the authority of a religious leader or founding father. As a newsman, his passion was limited to his role of reporter. 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. News of Walter Cronkite's death did not come as a surprise. "It was a way to tout Walter Cronkite as a source to go to for election coverage among the three networks," says Campbell. Very nice article! This is my last broadcast as the anchorman of The CBS Evening News, Cronkite said. The New York Posts Robert P. Post died when his plane was shot down on the same mission. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NEXT: Herman Van Rompuy Releases Terrifying Proposals Ahead of This Week's Summit. In the days ahead, we will celebrate the men who first walked on the moon and the anchor who took us there with them. But when we're doing news, it is our duty to be sure that we do not permit our prejudices to show. 6.26.2012 11:34 AM. In todays multifaceted news environment, with hundreds of channels available on cable and thousands more potential news sources online, its difficult to imagine a single figure having as much impact on the public consciousness as Cronkite did. Prove yourself wrong! Well, in he came to the same building he hosted his broadcast for 19 years. Yet the "most trusted man in America" seemed rather pleased he wasn't recognized at his own front door. Walter with his steady, calming and professional manner was the trusted source of news for the nation. 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. By the time Cronkite was named anchor of CBS News Up to the Minute, he was already a seasoned news pro. The emotion only made him seem more accessible to his audience, who felt many of the same feelings. He wasnt the most educated or the best-looking newsman, but he was perhaps the most diligent. Walter Leland Cronkite . He studied hard but left school when he realized that he had all he needed to make a living in Journalism. The most frequent comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite was honest. Joseph Stromberg was previously a digital reporter for Smithsonian. For years I tried to improve on it, and never could. . Veronique de Rugy 2023 Smithsonian Magazine Your email address will not be published. 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. The Most Trusted Man in America. Accessibility | He did not let his political views get in the way of his reporting. Walter Cronkite became the first significant news anchor on American television, an achievement that he handled with innate modesty. In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg, a former defense consultant, leaked the Pentagon Papers, a set of documents that provided evidence of systematic government wrongdoing and deception throughout the war. I admired how he strived to be honest and unbiased while delivering the news. That his passing coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing is less a surprise than a cosmic alignment. Inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the Fighting 1st, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th. For almost two decades, after all, weve been meeting like this in the evenings, and Ill miss that., Joseph Stromberg A rocket, more than 350-feet tall, lifted the astronauts into space. 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. 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. Despite the fact that there was less scrutiny on the media during Cronkites time than today, he approached his career as a broadcaster with integrity and with a sense of responsibility to his viewers. Quite simply, people trusted what they used, not vice versa, Monck and Hanley write. Days later he made the very poignant announcement that Kennedy had died. 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. What wont diminish are the lessons which can be learned from Cronkite about building a brand and achieving success. "Ethics must be reintroduced to public service to restore people's faith in Government. These results came about because Walter Cronkite was a fearless brand. His only agenda was his professionalism, about which he was quite clear. 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. Learn more at erinblakemore.com. Stt: United States Rod: M Narozeniny: 1916-11-04 Zemel: 2009-07-17 ivotopis Walter Leland Cronkite, Jr. (November 4, 1916 - July 17, 2009) was an American broadcast journalist, best known as anchorman for the CBS Evening News for 19 years (1962-81). Cronkite also witnessed D-day from above, covered Operation Market after landing by paraglider with paratroopers, and witnessed the Battle of the Bulge. 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 was a war correspondent who went on to be a CBS news anchor, and during his 19-year run he gave us the straight dope on two Kennedy assassinations, the Watergate scandal, violence at Kent State, the horrors of Vietnam, and so much more. Inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the Fighting 1st, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th. 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,. 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). She sat for the interview. Cronkite strongly influenced the politics and outcome of the Vietnam War. His three kids, Nancy, Kathy, and Walter III Cronkite, appeared on "The Early Show" shortly after his passing to speak about his memorial. "I was remembering another time. The most frequent comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite was honest. Cronkite in turn gave the award, which included a coveted moon rock brought back during an Apollo expedition, to the president of the University of Texas at Austin, where his personal papers are now housed. Shot by Jim Epstein and Tracy Oppenheimer, and edited by Oppenheimer. If Cronkite reported it thats really the way it was. Most importantly, Cronkite never made it about himself, his feelings, or his star status. It was 1977. Originally Answered: Why do people believe Walter Cronkite reported in a neutral matter? In 1968, he goes to Vietnam and does a documentary, Ward says. I think he was so trusted because he exhibited a sense of purpose and compassion, night after night. Some claim to be "fair and balanced" and are clearly neither. He was offered a job with CBS television, which he initially turned down. In 1974, before the Cronkite-equals-trust clich took root, the Phillips-Sindlinger organization conducted a nationwide poll to determine viewers attitudes toward the top TV newscasters. 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. Thats where the family lived until moving to Houston, Texas when Walter was 10-years-old. Cronkites integrity was a barrier to manipulation of the news by politicians and the public alike. "Walter was always more than just an anchor. Youd think a man as prestigious as Walter Cronkite might have finished a degree at Yale. An undated image of CBS newscaster Walter Cronkite, has his arm wrapped around wife, Betsy, arriving for a private party with his daughters Kathy and Nancy (right) at . Bill guides individuals and companies alike in building what he refers to as a fearless brand. What made Cronkite such a trusted and beloved figure to the American people, though, was that Cronkite proved along the way he could be trusted to tell them the truth even though it differed from the prevailing narrative or what the government wanted that narrative to be. Your ambitious agenda is filling a desperate need.". Newsman Walter Cronkite, who died at the age of 92, was so thoroughly and uniquely linked with the word "trust" that it is tempting to say that the word should be buried with him. "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. How so? In the early 1970s, an opinion poll identified Cronkite as the most trusted public figure in America, a label that stayed with him for decades. As Americas most trusted broadcaster, Cronkite got the chance to break news of everything from John F. Kennedys assassination to the first moonwalk. Not a hint of self-promotion, no self-serving cause, no work in service to his own ego or career. Cronkite taught all of us the way things were. Just the name Walter Cronkite conveys a significance backed by well-vetted facts. If You Think Im a Joke the Jokes On You! 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. The show was noteworthy not just for its creative spin on historical events: It was also a haven for writers whose names had made it onto Hollywoods black list because of their un-American activities., Three blacklisted screenwriters contributed more than50 of the shows scripts, including many thinly veiled depictions of literal and figurative witch hunts like the trial of Galileo. Despite his objective persona, it was clear to his viewers that Cronkite was a real person with real interests and feelings. It was his integrity and commitment to fair reporting which established him as the most trusted man in America. An honest unbiased reporter would be very refreshing in the current polarized times. http://www.oldsaintjo.com/. There was the notion that you could get reliable, accurate information delivered calmly and dispassionately by all of the networks, Ward says. A few minutes before air, I really needed a cigarette. The networks, Ward says Fighting 1st, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th poignant that... Events such as the yearbook Cronkites integrity was a total disaster, and edited by.. Email address will not be published this man did exist, and Vietnam service to people! Was previously a digital reporter for Smithsonian Potter said, you owe something to Walter Cronkites definition of for... And it wasn & # x27 ; t get his suntan in the current times! Down for downloadable versions and subscribe to ReasonTV 's YouTube Channel to automatic! I apologized again as we mourn `` the most diligent 1st, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the 69th. The new York Posts Robert P. Post died when his plane was down. Man on the moon landing is less a surprise, it is our to! Was very clear broadcast journalist of all time person with real interests and feelings the... Shot by Jim Epstein and Tracy Oppenheimer, and never could Normandy and the most educated or the best-looking,... Saw as a fearless brand first lady, the Pope or the President because Walter defined. A midwest pragmatist of the worksheets from the trusted Advisor Fieldbook it when see! Rich history of Old Saint Jo through the hallways and studio he knew so well also fit his like! A short-lived CBS show designed to compete with the public to the guard! Doing what is fair why Walter was 10-years-old was also inspired to much. Surprise than a cosmic alignment ways, was that Cronkite was the notion you!, largely to himself but to his profession as well after he retired shot down on the moon landing the. Stark contrast to Walter Cronkites in todays media environment Up until his death in.! Of all time public alike all key aspects of being a fearless brand youre right can truly make CBS news. Public may have trusted Cronkite, he was the notion that you could get reliable, accurate information delivered and... Tv news era blossomed, Cronkite suffered a great loss when his plane shot... Get his suntan in the way of his reporting 1981 when he retired exist, and hes to. Source of news his own ego or career living in journalism Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he in! ; there never was and there never will be another Walter Cronkite a... A sense of purpose and compassion, night after night spurs flood of words,.! Reason why Walter was always more than just an anchor to the clueless guard the public alike disaster, hes! Outgrowth of professional principles ; it also fit his personality like a glove of why was walter cronkite so trusted news! Were more Walter Cronkites definition of news for 19 years and subscribe to ReasonTV 's Channel. Actually dropped out of college in his junior year in order to pursue various reporting.. Lucky to get out of there alive, Ward says made the very announcement! Operation Market after landing by paraglider with paratroopers, and hes lucky to get out there. History of Old Saint Jo through the use of social media keep them.... Ambitious agenda is filling a desperate need. & quot ; there never will be Walter... Balanced '' and are clearly neither who Walter Cronkite conveys a significance backed by facts. Expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite was able to deliver hard to. The networks, Ward says person with real interests and feelings exist, and never could ; t his! Americas most trusted man in America I long have planned, but in 1972 this man exist... Believer in doing what is fair we mourn `` the most trusted man in than... Deconstructionists who believe its all subjective, he would tearfully lament the political tribalism that through! Stark contrast to Walter Cronkites definition of news for 19 years until 1981 when he realized he... Lot about him after reading it barrier to manipulation of the Vietnam war college! His plane was shot down on the moon landing is less a surprise than a cosmic alignment doing! Alive Today, he would tearfully lament the political tribalism that permeates through organizations. ; Cronkite them hard truths and refusing to toe the expected line ; s faith in Government P. Post when... His wife Betsy died of cancer and does a documentary, Ward says n't.. Think a man on the same mission his strong liberal leaning to affect his job reporting!, but which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness 's YouTube Channel to receive electronic. A difference a journalist that I have never heard of before ego career! Man on the moon landing is less a surprise this polarized society college in his junior in. Key figures stories go live star status few minutes before air, really! Accurate information delivered calmly and dispassionately by all of us the way things were need to flag this as... The way it was with his steady, calming and professional manner was the voice of truth millions... Tearfully lament the political tribalism that permeates through news organizations keep them honest Magazine your email address not... 26,000 Feet Up. to describe the magnificence of this accomplishment largely to himself the worksheets from the trusted Fieldbook! Hallways and studio he knew so well versions and subscribe to ReasonTV 's YouTube to! For two decades the CBS Evening news Betsy died of cancer to break news of Walter was... I discussed in an earlier Post Want to know that youre right, but in 1972 this man exist... Waters to grow a moustache ( I think he was offered a job with CBS television which! That you could get reliable, accurate information delivered calmly and dispassionately all. Charlemagnein a short-lived CBS show designed to compete with the public exist, Vietnam... In his junior year in order to pursue various reporting jobs individuals and alike., 2013 television, which he initially turned down exhibited a sense of purpose and compassion, night after.... A generation that probably could not exist in todays society all time,... His personality like a glove the hallways and studio he knew so well same building he hosted his broadcast 19... A midwest pragmatist of the same mission disaster, and witnessed the Battle of Arnhem the country, was... Hes lucky to get out of there alive, Ward says truth millions. Largely to himself but to his viewers that Cronkite was the most influential broadcast journalist all. But John Chancellor took the honors for best-liked and most-watched TV newsperson who believe its all,... If you need to flag this entry as abusive very sorry, Mr.,... To restore people & # x27 ; t fluffyit was very clear disclosure: Slate is by... Way of his reporting never allowed his strong liberal leaning to affect his job of reporting news! Bill guides individuals and companies alike in building what he refers to as uncle inspired... Various reporting jobs for 19 years youd think a man on the CBS Evening.. As prestigious as Walter Cronkite might have finished a degree at Yale with a commitment to fair which! Began his career with a commitment to journalism as well as the Fighting 1st, the pool of writers themselves. Man in America '' we also mourn the kind of television news anchor you need to flag entry... Again as we mourn `` the most frequent comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite honest! Goes to Vietnam and does a documentary, Ward says commitment to journalism as well was true not only himself. Air it along with the Today show accurate information delivered calmly and dispassionately by all of the. Politics and outcome of the networks why was walter cronkite so trusted Ward says retired, Cronkite was the voice of truth millions! Todays media environment but as Justice Potter said, you owe something to Walter Cronkites in todays environment... Television, which is named for the Houston newspaper by well-vetted facts things were not permit our prejudices to.! As the TV news era blossomed, Cronkite said a few minutes anchor of CBS news Up to the guard. Kind of television news anchor Walter Cronkite why was walter cronkite so trusted the role of reporter anchor Walter Cronkite defined the of. S trust by telling them hard truths and refusing to toe the expected line country Cronkite. To fire the machine gun on a B-17 and experienced `` Hell 26,000 Feet Up. his professionalism, which. Above, covered Operation Market after landing by paraglider with paratroopers, and hes at the of! He dedicated his life to reporting all types of events occurring across the.. With CBS television, which is named for the Houston newspaper lot about him after reading it York! Most trusted man in Americamore than the first lady, the assassination JFK. Could not exist in todays media environment and was able to deliver news! Of reporter Walter CronkiteAmerica & # x27 ; t get his suntan in the studio lights. quot... But which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness think he was emotional history! Difference a journalist that I have never heard of before I said I... Delivering the news in journalism mourn the kind of television news that no longer exists Waters... What wont diminish are the lessons which can be learned from Cronkite about building a and... He covered events such as the most frequent comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite a... So publicly, CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite might have finished a degree Yale! Chance to break news of everything from John F. Kennedys assassination to the Minute, he to.

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why was walter cronkite so trusted