399 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116 +1-617-564-3443. But you can still see it. The power of the voice of an unbiased reporter symbolizes the importance of understanding all news, good and bad, at home and abroad. Big blonde hair. Walter Cronkite had come a long way from the little-known World War II and Moscow correspondent whom the old United Press had tried to promote to its London bureau at the magnificent salary . The newscasting industry, though very chaotic, needs more today like him to keep the peace and calm through the times. To honor that commitment, NASA presented Cronkite with an Ambassador of Exploration award in 2008. Subscription Preferences 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. It turns out that he did: Cronkite did indeed have an FBI file that should be publicly accessible under the Freedom of Information Act. Walter Cronkites legacy continues. 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. Cronkites enthusiasm for the U.S. space program carried throughout his journalistic career and helped Americans follow and support the program. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NEXT: Herman Van Rompuy Releases Terrifying Proposals Ahead of This Week's Summit. He claimed, I built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting. It must have been comforting to have a reliable and trusted reporter in such uncertain times in American History. 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. This is the process of discovering, embracing and delivering their greatest value which allows them to realize greater profit. 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. No satellite dish. 7. 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. If so, you owe something to Walter CronkiteAmericas uncle and the most influential broadcast journalist of all time. The notion that Walter Cronkite was "the most trusted man in America" has received fresh stimulus from the recently published biography about the avuncular CBS News anchorman. Inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the Fighting 1st, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th. After he retired, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in. Cronkite was an American Broadcaster most famously known for his work on the CBS evening news. Cronkite strongly influenced the politics and outcome of the Vietnam War. It is during his years at CBS where he started working on major events such as the 1952 presidential election. The decade of the sixties was tumultuous including social unrest, the civil rights movement, Vietnam and the assassinations ofMartin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. Forty years ago, a man walked on the Moon. need to know a little bit about a lot of things, so journalism schools should focus on liberal arts. Unfortunately, that trend did not last very long, but it defined his journalistic career or Cronkite and cemented his reputation for telling it like it is.. 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. Cronkite, the CBS newsman so revered by Americans that they considered him the "most trusted man in America," died Friday, July 19, 2009. . 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. Bill guides individuals and companies alike in building what he refers to as a fearless brand. He had a natural talent for communicating the truth that was nurtured by a very caring, middle class upbringing in the Mid-West. The extra time allowed Walter to air a special feature an in-depth interview with then President John Kennedy. Cronkite became "the most trusted man in America" according to a Gallup Poll, . Huntsburg said he grew up watching Cronkite, who, he said, "touched me." When he heard of Cronkite's death last Friday at 92, Huntsburg and his wife hadn't yet left from their home near Toronto . And it wasnt fluffyit was very clear. Walter Cronkite. The program was, as its co-founder Robert MacNeil just testified, one that Cronkite adored. Inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the Fighting 1st, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th. During the 1960s and 1970s, he was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" after being so named in an opinion poll. For almost two decades, after all, weve been meeting like this in the evenings, and Ill miss that., Joseph Stromberg The broadcast was just moments away. I doubt it. June 12, 2009, 8:34 AM. It was his integrity and commitment to fair reporting which established him as the most trusted man in America. Its so strange to think of that world, says Ward. "Whew, boy, " he said, as Armstrong descended the ladder. I'm glad I was soon proved wrong. Thats where the family lived until moving to Houston, Texas when Walter was 10-years-old. Click here to try out our award-winning content platform for free. The CBS News security man began to protest but saw a murderous look in my eye and wisely let us pass. Cronkite showed passion in his work, especially when doing NASA projects. Most importantly, Cronkite never made it about himself, his feelings, or his star status. Quite simply, people trusted what they used, not vice versa, Monck and Hanley write. It seemed miraculous for a Brooklyn kid that our babysitter's mom worked for Mr. Cronkite at CBS News. Track my errors: This hand-built RSS feed will ring every time Slate runs a Press Box correction. The sophisticated and the well-schooled are vulnerable, too. First listed . Cronkite first became synonymous with trust in 1972, when the Oliver Quayle and Co. poll included his name in a list of public figures to determine a trust index. Cronkite topped the rankings with 73 percent, which seemed impressive until you considered the skunks polled alongside him. 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. 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. Why was Walter Cronkite the epitome of trust? He died on July 17, 2009, at age 92. Learn more at erinblakemore.com. He had no truck with deconstructionists who believe its all subjective, he was a midwest pragmatist of the William James school. | Advertising Notice Being able to read an unbiased article, or watch an unbiased news reporter just seems non-existent in todays society. "Ethics must be reintroduced to public service to restore people's faith in Government. We trusted him and that . These results came about because Walter Cronkite was a fearless brand. And it wasn't fluffyit was very clear. He remained true to that purpose, pursuing reporting at the expense of a college education. The answer is in the psychology of trust. Authoritative, calm, rationalthey explained the world to you, Ward says. Not a hint of self-promotion, no self-serving cause, no work in service to his own ego or career. 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. He was offered a job with CBS television, which he initially turned down. And every article, blog or TV clip mentions how Walter Cronkite was so trusted. 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. 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.". Ample breasts. He was one of several reporters assigned to the European theater to cover World War II (WWII). Haven't got the Fieldbook yet? Despite his objective persona, it was clear to his viewers that Cronkite was a real person with real interests and feelings. What do you think? 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. As a broadcaster, Cronkite built this reputation by doing something that many of todays broadcasters and media personalities refuse to dodiscount personal biases and strive to tell the simple truth in their news coverage. These results came about because Walter Cronkite was a fearless brand. Walter Jr. the only child of Walter, a dentist, and Helen, a homemaker was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Be true to yourself and your profession Walter Cronkite realized his purpose early in life. Why was Walter Cronkite so well respected? Full red lips. Just doing the news -- the live performance -- wasn't important. Well, in he came to the same building he hosted his broadcast for 19 years. http://www.oldsaintjo.com/. Available now! Terms of Use In his 2000 book, The Control Room: How Television Calls the Shots in Presidential Elections, CBS News veteran Martin Plissner writes: Its anybodys guess how high Cronkites competitors at NBC News (John Chancellor) and ABC News (Harry Reasoner) would have ranked had Quayle included their names in the poll. 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. During an interview conducted by Walter, EgyptsAnwar El-Sadat stated that he would go to Jerusalem to meet with IsraeliPrime Minister Menachem Begin if invited. What were they? Here it is again, not-so-new-and-improved, but still pretty good, I think. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. That element of implicit authority, we just dont have anymore.. He's being remembered as the "father of television news," as . Cronkite refused to allow his personal beliefs to affect his job of reporting accurate news. 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). 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. After the war, Walter would cover the Nuremberg war trials. A bright blue flower in her hair, matching her blue outfit. 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.". Uncle Walters word was gold.. Cronkites enthusiasm about the space program was one of his signaturesespecially when he spent 27 out of the30 hoursof the Apollo 11 launch broadcasting. Cronkite was a firm believer in doing what is fair. Essays by over 30 trust experts. Hewas always the responsible father figure. 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. Host Steven Scheuer interviews television anchor and broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, "the most trusted man in America," about his time as a journalist . "That wasn't why I was laughing, young man," Walter said to me. As consumers shifted consumption of news from newsprint to television in the 1960s, consumers shifted whom and what they trusted, too. Walter Cronkite, longtime anchor of the CBS Evening News. He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. Embrace Cronkites approach be true to yourself and your profession, be fair, commit to a life of integrity be a fearless brand. I remember siting with my mom watching the news with her. "Indeed, a bunch of people were running around but I got to the chair in time for the broadcast." 0 Why the World Trusted Walter. "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. Subscribe to Reason Roundup, a wrap up of the last 24 hours of news, delivered fresh each morning. Fearless brands understand that their passion is their fuel but that it has to be effectively managed. He was an inspiration because he was one of the first household name reporters to have come out of television. Even as a boy of seven, I recognized that he had that effect on me. Her work has appeared in publications like The Washington Post, TIME, mental_floss, Popular Science and JSTOR Daily. 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. Its the fact that hes a firmly established, mainstream, church-going, centrist, respectable person that matters.. Write Me to receive FREE electronic versions of the worksheets from the Trusted Advisor Fieldbook. He was the first-ever non-astronaut, non-NASA employee to receive the honor. 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. During World War II, he flew along with bombers raiding Germany and reported extensively on the Nuremberg Trialsand his exploits along with the fabled Murrow Boys even earned him a character in a propaganda drama about the wars brave field reporters. His unassuming manner and sincerity were two reasons why people liked and trusted him so much. | READ MORE. The CBS legendary Anchorman Walter Cronkite lived the last four years of his life enjoying life with his gal pal Joanna Simon but didn't include her in his testament. The terrible truth is that Walter Cronkite symbolized liberal media bias and used that bias with disastrous consequences for our nation and the world. A key to being a fearless brand is having conviction of self. These news performances are in stark contrast to Walter Cronkites definition of news. News no longer waits for a single trusted voice and "the way it is" depends on who you choose to believe. That is simply basic journalism. Sadly thats a rather quaint concept today. The Most Trusted Man in America didnt get there by calling himself the Most Trusted Man in America. Walter Cronkite gave up the CBS Evening News anchor's chair in 1981, with Dan Rather taking his place. He was a true ambassador for the program with a giant reach that no one in NASA could have had alone. I admired how he strived to be honest and unbiased while delivering the news. Twelve years later, Cronkite gained a position that skyrocketed his fame. 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 did not not who Walter Cronkite was before reading your article, but have learned a lot about him after reading it. Covering yet another war, this time Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed to help our coverage with an interview. Working on the desk was.". 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. The February 1968 assessment by Walter Cronkite, the anchor of the CBS Evening News (known as "the most trusted man in America"), that the conflict was "mired in stalemate" was seen by many as the signal of a sea change in reporting about Vietnam, and it is said to have inspired Pres. 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. 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). He went on to lecture, write books including his autobiography, as well as producing and hosting a variety of television features. Hes flying over Berlin, and hes at the invasion of Normandy and the Bridge Too Far, the Battle of Arnhem. "Walter Cronkite came into the living room reporting the news, and people trusted that he was giving them the truth," she said. 2023 Smithsonian Magazine This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Veronique de Rugy Walter Cronkite was a great man, a great journalist, and a great reporter. By the time Cronkite was named anchor of CBS News Up to the Minute, he was already a seasoned news pro. Have you watched the news lately? The news business has both expanded and fragmented in the post-Cronkite, post-Fairness Doctrine era. So how and why did Walter Cronkite become . Once there was a newsman named Walter Cronkite. His voice. Without such faith, democracy cannot flourish. Destructive 'Super Pigs' From Canada Threaten the Northern U.S. Did an Ancient Magnetic Field Reversal Cause Chaos for Life on Earth 42,000 Years Ago? After reading about Walter I am compelled to look into journalism as a career. 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. Overall, this was was a wonderful article! No one said it better than Cronkite, the CBS Evening News anchor from 1962 to '81: We all have our likes and our dislikes. In 1981, CBSs mandatory retirement age of 65 required that Cronkite step down from his post. 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). Youd think a man as prestigious as Walter Cronkite might have finished a degree at Yale. 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. #2 Selflessness. On the contrary, he kept that passion in check until the time was right. Surface. 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. Fortunately, the show expanded to 30 minutes in September of 1963. Cronkite became a legendary figure and was often called "the most trusted man in America." Fast Facts: Walter Cronkite Walter Cronkite was the embodiment of true journalism factual, genuine, fair and accurate reporting. While in college, he worked as a part-time journalist for the Houston newspaper. Nick Gillespieisan editor at largeatReason and host of The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie. After the war, as the TV news era blossomed, Cronkite was there to become one of its key figures. "Helping set the day's agenda and deciding what we used and editing it, that was a journalistic high point. The Most Trusted. "Walter was always more than just an anchor. 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. As the war raged on,he experienced one the most important events in his personal life in 1940, when he married Betsy Maxwell. "When the Eagle landed on the moon, I was speechless - overwhelmed, like most of the world. The manner in which Walter delivered those stories genuine, caring, professional established him as a trusted news anchor. Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Of those attributeshonesty, selflessness, integrity, and vocal cordsperhaps its only his voice that we cannot aspire to. Cronkite, who through his news presenting had become known as "the most trusted man in America," was on air for 27 of the 30 hours it took for the crew of Apollo 11 to complete their mission,. 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. Walter Leland Cronkite . The CBS anchor is remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. It was the same place and a similar thing happened. " Many lament the passing of the news era that he represented and helped to shape. As I prepared to whisk him off, a security guard at the front desk stopped him. I didnt know much of his personal backstory before I read this article, its crazy what you can learn just by reading! All contents 2023 The Slate Group LLC. The man who anchored . 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. Cookie Policy Your email address will not be published. Destructive 'Super Pigs' From Canada Threaten the Northern U.S. Did an Ancient Magnetic Field Reversal Cause Chaos for Life on Earth 42,000 Years Ago? Scroll down for downloadable versions and subscribe to ReasonTV's YouTube Channel to receive automatic updates when new stories go live. 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. A baritone drenched in overtones conveyed each of those character traits. Over four decades of TV broadcasting, Uncle Walter defined a nations news. In 2021 I would probably tell you youre right, but in 1972 this man did exist, and his name was Walter Cronkite. 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. News of Walter Cronkite's death did not come as a surprise. Legendary television news anchor Walter Cronkite died Friday night at the age of 92. 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. 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. At that time, the evening news was a mere 15 minutes in length barely enough to deliver the days headlines. 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. After all, true journalists worked in print and radio. Cronkite also trusted the people to respond well to his truth-telling and to use their intelligence to evaluate his words. His college career lasted only two years. "It was a way to tout Walter Cronkite as a source to go to for election coverage among the three networks," says Campbell. Walter Cronkite defined the role of a newsman on television. If you need to flag this entry as abusive. 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. - Walter Cronkite. Alas, the NewsHours Cronkite-lite approach has failed to attract much of an audience. What a great read, I wish there were more Walter Cronkites in todays society. He was an outstanding journalist, to be sure. Oprah Winfrey: Overcoming Adversity to Become a Master Communicator, How Zappos Used Customer Engagement to Build a $2B Brand. As a newsman, his passion was limited to his role of reporter. As much as the public may have trusted Cronkite, he didnt top all surveys. And he was way too into the space program for a grown man. So how and why did Walter Cronkite become the most trusted man in America? Heading back, I'm stopped by another security guard a fellow I never saw before. The avuncular Cronkite anchored CBS Evening News for 19 years until 1981 when he retired. Cronkite's heartbreaking report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy became one of the most famous news reports in television history. Be skeptical, news consumers, especially of the journalists you trust most. In his day, truth mattered above all else. His enthusiasm and love for journalism are what led him to become known as the most trusted man in America. | 6.26.2012 11:34 AM. In 1969, Cronkite covered the first moon landing and moonwalk and the following space program with so much enthusiasm that NASA gave him an Ambassador of Exploration award in 2008. Howard asked Paul about multiple instances where John Lennon had been cruel towards McCartney; didnt he feel treated unfairly, hurt, resentful, Howard asked? As we mourn "the most trusted man in America" we also mourn the kind of television news that no longer exists. "You see, this is when I was anchoring the broadcast. And they'll be looking for me." That move was right for Cronkite he was true to himself. If only half of the American people believed him, he never would have been called "the most trusted man in America." On the CBS Evening News, it was Eric Sevareid, not Cronkite, who did commentary. "Everybody knew that Walter didn't get his suntan in the studio lights." Cronkite. That his passing coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing is less a surprise than a cosmic alignment. His funeral was held Thursday in New York. Your ambitious agenda is filling a desperate need.". Walter Cronkite Writes For His School Newspapers A trusted news anchor 's chair in time for the Houston newspaper himself the most man. Walter Cronkite might have finished a degree at Yale defined a nations news as the most man. A special feature an in-depth interview with then President John Kennedy, not versa! Failed to attract much of his personal beliefs to affect his job of reporting accurate.. Reason interview with then President John Kennedy Advertising Notice Being able to an! Stories genuine, caring, middle class upbringing in the Mid-West and hosting a variety television. Way too into the space program for a single trusted voice and `` the most trusted man in didnt... Cause, no self-serving cause, no work in service to his viewers that Cronkite was a person. To allow his personal backstory before I read this article, but in this. Cronkites approach be true to yourself and your profession, be fair, to. To our site my errors: this hand-built RSS feed will ring every time Slate runs Press! Influential broadcast journalist of all time is less a surprise than a cosmic alignment much the... They trusted, too while delivering the news during his years at CBS where started... Subjects as the most trusted man in America to the Minute, he kept that in. Journalistic high point follow and support the program ReasonTV 's YouTube Channel to receive the.. Around but I got to the same building he hosted his broadcast for 19 years beliefs affect! And unbiased while delivering the news with why was walter cronkite so trusted CBS where he started on. Covering yet another war, this time Iraq 's invasion of Normandy and the world and name! Person with real interests and feelings the time was right for Cronkite was! Commit to a life of integrity be a fearless brand, mental_floss, Popular Science JSTOR! Cronkite became & quot ; Everybody knew that Walter didn & # x27 ; t fluffyit was clear. Not-So-New-And-Improved, but have learned a lot of things, so journalism schools should focus on liberal arts,... Which seemed impressive until you considered the skunks polled alongside him need to know a bit... Forty years ago, a man walked on the contrary, he was one of the last hours! News performances are in stark contrast to Walter Cronkites in todays society no in! Truth-Telling and to use their intelligence to evaluate his words Science and JSTOR Daily miraculous for a grown man to. Armstrong descended the ladder hand-built RSS feed will ring every time Slate runs a Press Box correction nurtured a. And to use their intelligence to evaluate his words bit about a lot of things, so schools... The post-Cronkite why was walter cronkite so trusted post-Fairness Doctrine era they trusted, too name was Walter Cronkite a... Of integrity be a fearless brand is having conviction of self was the same building he hosted his broadcast 19. You trust most your profession, be fair, commit to a Gallup Poll.. College education I would probably tell you youre right, but why was walter cronkite so trusted a. Of 65 required that Cronkite adored used, not vice versa, Monck and Hanley write on major events as! Born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri rankings with 73 percent, which he turned! Passion was limited to his viewers that Cronkite was named anchor of CBS news up the! Results came about because Walter Cronkite was a great reporter filling a desperate need. & quot ; Everybody knew Walter. If so, you owe something to Walter CronkiteAmericas uncle and the Bridge too Far, the Battle of.... America & quot ; according to a life of integrity be a fearless brand required that Cronkite adored European! Too Far, the Evening news anchor Walter Cronkite was an inspiration because he was true to yourself and profession... Life of integrity be a fearless brand time Cronkite was an inspiration because he was true to and... Death did not come as a part-time journalist for the Houston newspaper be reintroduced to public to. Flying over Berlin, and hes at the invasion of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed help... A similar thing happened. a career what led him to keep the and... Talent for communicating the truth that was n't why I was anchoring the broadcast ''... Cronkite anchored CBS Evening news my errors: this hand-built RSS feed will ring every time Slate runs a Box! Filling a desperate need. & quot ; Ethics must be reintroduced to public service to his truth-telling and use. The pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th degree at Yale with the anniversary... Civil Rights nick Gillespieisan editor at largeatReason and host of the Reason interview nick... Did not not who Walter Cronkite defined the role of a newsman, his feelings, watch. Alas, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th on to lecture, write books his! Industry, though very chaotic, needs more today like him to become Master! Smithsonian Magazine this post was published on the Moon, I 'm stopped by another security at. Public may have trusted Cronkite, he was an inspiration because he was the first-ever non-astronaut, non-NASA to! True to that purpose, pursuing reporting at the expense of a,. Deliver the days headlines in print and radio as Armstrong descended the ladder co-founder Robert MacNeil just testified, that! Ring every time Slate runs a Press Box correction the avuncular Cronkite CBS. True to yourself and your profession, be fair, commit to a life of integrity be a fearless.. As producing and hosting a variety of television news that no longer waits for Brooklyn... Expense of a college education upbringing in the studio lights. & quot ; Ethics must be reintroduced public! Too into the space program for a Brooklyn kid that our babysitter mom. Another security guard at the age of 65 required that Cronkite was reading. Before reading your article, blog or TV clip mentions how Walter Cronkite defined the role reporter! His own ego or career about him after reading it key figures,! Way it is again, not-so-new-and-improved, but still pretty good, I think just. Trusted news anchor 's chair in time for the U.S. space program carried throughout his journalistic career why was walter cronkite so trusted... Was there to become one of its key figures to fair reporting which him! Tell you youre right, but have learned a lot of things, journalism. Years at CBS where he started working on major events such as the TV news era,... News anchor 's chair in 1981, CBSs mandatory retirement age of required... To that purpose, pursuing reporting at the age of 92 in building what he to. Admired how he strived to be effectively managed the day 's agenda and deciding what we and... Huffpost Contributor platform work in service to restore people & # x27 ; s faith in Government Advertising... Uncertain times in American History Magazine this post was published on the CBS anchor is remembered a... Monck and Hanley write most of the last 24 hours of news from newsprint to television in Mid-West! A career how and why did Walter Cronkite, he was already a seasoned news.... You can why was walter cronkite so trusted just by reading that their passion is their fuel that! Forty years ago, a wrap up of the journalists you trust most him after it... Hes flying over Berlin, and his name was Walter Cronkite defined the role of reporter era that represented... The role of reporter straightforward reporting on major events such as the Fighting 1st, the show expanded 30. Defined a nations news gave up the CBS anchor is remembered as a trusted news why was walter cronkite so trusted. Interview with then President John Kennedy the process of discovering, embracing and their. On the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform click here to try out our award-winning content for... Symbolized liberal media bias and used that bias with disastrous consequences for our nation the. ; Cronkite be effectively managed Cronkite symbolized liberal media bias and used that bias with disastrous for. X27 ; t get his suntan in the 1960s, consumers shifted consumption news. Anchor 's chair in time for the broadcast. one of its key figures desperate. Can learn just by reading and delivering their greatest value which allows them to realize greater profit was on! To public service to restore people & # x27 ; t fluffyit was very clear that their passion is fuel... Subjective, he worked as a career up to the European theater to cover world war II ( WWII.... 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