'Most trusted'? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. #2 Selflessness. By Louis Menand. But when we're doing news, it is our duty to be sure that we do not permit our prejudices to show. Night after night, Walter Cronkite came into the living room reporting the news, and people trusted that he was giving them the truth. Its the beginning of the so-called credibility gap: whats being told at the briefing become known as the 5 oclock follies, because after awhile, nobody believes anything that officialdom is saying, says Ward. The extra time allowed Walter to air a special feature an in-depth interview with then President John Kennedy. Source: IMDB, Walter Cronkite during his time as a war correspondent during WWII. Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. He then moved to Houston Texas where he lived out his childhood. "President Lyndon Johnson certainly felt it. The invitation was extended the very next day and that meeting led to the Camp David accord and the Israel-Egyptian Peace Treaty. Walter Cronkite and the legend of CBS News. I am pursuing a degree in Political Science and International and Global Studies. As Lulu Guadalupe said, he truly laid out the foundation of what great newscasters should be like but alas, they are not. Douglas Brinkley says he got the idea to write a biography of Walter Cronkite from David Halberstam. 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. What do you think? This should be something all reporters should strive for, especially in this polarized society. Just doing the news -- the live performance -- wasn't important. 2023 Smithsonian Magazine In 1968, he goes to Vietnam and does a documentary, Ward says. Cronkite was the face of CBS from 1962 to 1981. Trust is a shoddy yardstick. Working on the desk was.". For years I tried to improve on it, and never could. He dedicated his life to reporting all types of events occurring across the globe. There was the notion that you could get reliable, accurate information delivered calmly and dispassionately by all of the networks, Ward says. It must have been comforting to have a reliable and trusted reporter in such uncertain times in American History. | | READ MORE. Cronkite genuinely believed journalists could and must be "objective." 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. 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. Her work has appeared in publications like The Washington Post, TIME, mental_floss, Popular Science and JSTOR Daily. 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. 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". He learned to fire the machine gun on a B-17 and experienced "Hell 26,000 Feet Up." He put forth his personal opinion, a luxury he denied himself in deference to the integrity of the news and his role. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This is a mostly justifiable assessment. How did Cronkite join this popularity list in the first place? 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. What wont diminish are the lessons which can be learned from Cronkite about building a brand and achieving success. | He did not let his political views get in the way of his reporting. Some claim to be "fair and balanced" and are clearly neither. Cronkite taught all of us the way things were. He sailed. During a casual . Your email address will not be published. Walter Cronkites iconic sign-off and thats the way it is was taken at face value by the nation. 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. It was the same place and a similar thing happened. " Seek the complete storyIn Cronkites own words In seeking truth you have to get both sides of a story.That approach is a rare quality in todays journalism circles in our society for that matter. Just the name Walter Cronkite conveys a significance backed by well-vetted facts. The CBS anchor is remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism. 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. Trust is an essential quality to have in any communicating experience, particularly newscasting. In 2005, Cronkite suffered a great loss when his wife Betsy died of cancer. Walter Cronkite always ended his nightly news segments with, And thats the way it is. Cronkite strongly influenced the politics and outcome of the Vietnam War. 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. (E-mail may be quoted by name in The Fray, Slates readers forum; in a future article; or elsewhere unless the writer stipulates otherwise. Cronkites program became Americas most popular television news broadcast. 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 1968 the Communist forces in South Vietnam, facing defeat, staged massive kamikaze attacks on U.S. positions in Saigon. 3.1.2023 5:35 PM, Joe Lancaster 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. Shot by Jim Epstein and Tracy Oppenheimer, and edited by Oppenheimer. He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. Cronkite's heartbreaking report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy became one of the most famous news reports in television history. Cronkite, born November 4, 1916, got his start in journalism working as a radio announcer for a series of stations in Missouri. He was avuncular. This was a fascinating article about a journalist that I have never heard of before. Author Douglas David Brinkley refers often in the book, titled Cronkite, to the anchorman's "most trusted" status. A baritone drenched in overtones conveyed each of those character traits. And every article, blog or TV clip mentions how Walter Cronkite was so trusted. 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. 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. 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. "My dad was one of those people. Its those characteristics which make him a fearless brand. 3.1.2023 4:21 PM, Eric Boehm Betsy, his wife of forty-five years, died of cancer in 2005. A student organization of St. Marys University of San Antonio, Texas, featuring scholarly research, writing, and media from students of all disciplines. Learn more at erinblakemore.com. Trust Inc. Strategies for Building Your Company's Most Valuable Asset. Advertising Notice Hecomes back and raises real questions about what our aims are, and whether the aims are being accurately reported to the American people, Ward says. This story already sounds like fiction doesnt it? 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. 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. He never allowed his strong liberal leaning to affect his reporting. He had a beer gut. His latest cause was world government and. The idea was that this was a very serious job, performed by various serious men.. It doesnt gauge truth, it gauges what looks close to the truth: verisimilitude, they write. In 2021 I would probably tell you youre right, but in 1972 this man did exist, and his name was Walter Cronkite. 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. Well, almost everyone. | READ MORE. In addition I was also inspired to how much of a difference a journalist can truly make. That was the model., This view was linked to the deep-seated faith most members of the public held in the honesty of the government, as well as journalistsand although Cronkite was emblematic of the era, his innovative reporting and willingness to challenge authority were instrumental in bringing about its demise. 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. As Bob Schieffer said on a "Face the Nation" program honoring Cronkite, it's why Americans trusted him. Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Its hard to see the forest for the trees when all your concerns involve clicks. His voice. I remember finding a video on YouTube of him breaking the news of JFKs assassination one time, and I can see why it is still such a famous segment. 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 has changed how people deliver news forever now. But some unscrupulous actions outlined in the book muddy his otherwise almost spotless reputation, and . He was true not only to himself but to his profession as well. 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 . It is during his years at CBS where he started working on major events such as the 1952 presidential election. Despite his objective persona, it was clear to his viewers that Cronkite was a real person with real interests and feelings. 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. Thirteen years after my first attempt to work at CBS, I finally landed a job at the news network I was certain I'd work for. He went on to lecture, write books including his autobiography, as well as producing and hosting a variety of television features. 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. Fortunately, the show expanded to 30 minutes in September of 1963. Host Steven Scheuer interviews television anchor and broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, "the most trusted man in America," about his time as a journalist . I think he was so trusted because he exhibited a sense of purpose and compassion, night after night. As we mourn "the most trusted man in America" we also mourn the kind of television news that no longer exists. 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. Indeed, his modesty and his dedication were the reasons his wide audience liked him so much and trusted him. 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. Cronkite continued to do special reports and other media appearances up until his death in 2009. His story came to an end in 2009 when he passed away at the age of 92. March on the Pentagon 50 Years Later. 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. "There was a reason why Walter was called the most . Now, we just have many reporters that like to spread false information just to make certain leaders in power look good when the country is actually suffering, they should really be following his example. Cronkite also trusted the people to respond well to his truth-telling and to use their intelligence to evaluate his words. In his day, truth mattered above all else. So I stepped outside for a few moments for a smoke. With the help of our community staff & student interns; we interview, document, and create content for global viewing. He kept his own counsel; until and unless he felt there was no alternative but to share it. As I said in my obituary of Walter Cronkite, in person, he could come off as formal, stiff and even somewhat self-important. Cronkite was a firm believer in doing what is fair. I enjoyed this article, had good history of someone who made history. 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.. 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? Heading back, I'm stopped by another security guard a fellow I never saw before. 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. The most frequent comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite was honest. This he saw as a natural outgrowth of professional principles; it also fit his personality like a glove. Walter was very lucky, because soon after moving, he read an article inBoys Lifemagazine which chronicled the adventures and assignments of reporters working around the world. Erin Blakemore Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. This means not just that he didn't tell lies, but that he was a truth-seekerhe sought to tell the whole truth. Its not just the naive and undereducated who end up trusting people and institutions that they shouldnt. 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." Soon he would be named host of the Morning Show on CBS. In 1950, Cronkite finally joined CBS after numerous offers. Not a hint of self-promotion, no self-serving cause, no work in service to his own ego or career. Embrace Cronkites approach be true to yourself and your profession, be fair, commit to a life of integrity be a fearless brand. How so? Cronkite was 92. The decade of the sixties was tumultuous including social unrest, the civil rights movement, Vietnam and the assassinations ofMartin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. Charlemagne would be short-lived (Baird would go on to produce The Sound of Musics Lonely Goatherd sceneand other legendary puppet shows), but Cronkite was notand eventually he branched out into editorial work like his lion friend. And they'll be looking for me." Subscription Preferences 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. Prove yourself wrong! Cronkite became a legendary figure and was often called "the most trusted man in America." Fast Facts: Walter Cronkite He consoled Americans when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. My dad was one of those people. Cronkites story influenced then-President Johnson not to seek re-election, and it also started a trend toward greater truth-telling in the media at the time. Essays by over 30 trust experts. I finally stopped trying. 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. In my opinion, Walter Cronkite is the epitome of ethical and effective journalism. I remember siting with my mom watching the news with her. Mr Cronkite's opinion was so trusted by the US public that when he criticised the war in Vietnam, President Lyndon B Johnson is reported to have said: "If I've lost Cronkite, I've lost middle America." Linda Mason, the vice-president of CBS, said Mr Cronkite had died at 1942 local time (2342 GMT) on Friday after a long illness. On the contrary, he kept that passion in check until the time was right. Cronkite refused to allow his personal beliefs to affect his job of reporting accurate news. 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 . It seemed miraculous for a Brooklyn kid that our babysitter's mom worked for Mr. Cronkite at CBS News. According to polls, he was the most trusted man in Americamore than the first lady, the Pope or the president.. Originally Answered: Why do people believe Walter Cronkite reported in a neutral matter? 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. Erin Blakemore is a Boulder, Colorado-based journalist. Its interesting to see different figures across generations that offer a sense of trust and reliability to a whole nation during devastating times. Why was Walter Cronkite the epitome of trust? But it was Walter Cronkite and the team of journalists he inspired that brought the rest of us to the Moon. He truly laid out the foundation of what great newscasters should be like. 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. Today, the job he perfected has largely lost its relevance. At the CBS News Broadcast Center, and throughout the news business, Walter Cronkite largely defined the ethical and journalistic standards that engendered the trust of a nation. 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. | He was one of several reporters assigned to the European theater to cover World War II (WWII). He claimed, "I built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting. 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. 3.1.2023 2:50 PM, 2022 Reason Foundation | I genuinely dont think well ever see a reporter, or journalist, like him, in a long, long time. 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 smiled modestly. His popularity and credibility grew to the point that in 1961, he was named anchor of the CBS Evening News. Ample breasts. New eBook from Charles H. Green, loaded with insights and action steps on how to get back in the selling water, without fear. This means not just that he didnt tell lies, but that he was a truth-seekerhe sought to tell the whole truth. He was an example of what an exemplary journalist should be like. A community-based video production company focused on documenting the rich history of Old Saint Jo through the use of social media. Walter Cronkite defined the role of a television news anchor. He accepted the second offer, however, and began working as the host of a show called You Are There. A key to being a fearless brand is having conviction of self. He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. In 1981, CBSs mandatory retirement age of 65 required that Cronkite step down from his post. He was someone we could trust to guide us through the most . For somebody of my generation, he was the pillar of American broadcast journalism, says David Ward, a historian at the National Portrait Gallery. Be true to yourself and your profession Walter Cronkite realized his purpose early in life. Cronkite stayed in the Kansas City area until he was 10. . 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. 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? 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. 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. 399 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116 +1-617-564-3443. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Finally, I said, either you let me in right now or in about thirty seconds the largest group of people you can imagine will be running through that studio door. He was televisions version of Gary Cooperstoic, his own man, capable under stress of expressing deep feelingsbut in a highly controlled manner. Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri. These are all key aspects of being a true journalist and it showed when it came to Walter Cronkite. Cronkite covered nearly every American manned spaceflight from 1961 to 1981. 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 . The program was, as its co-founder Robert MacNeil just testified, one that Cronkite adored. Cronkite stood out from his peers because of his commitment to truth and objectivity in journalism. 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.". . Now, all . After he retired, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in. This is the process of discovering, embracing and delivering their greatest value which allows them to realize greater profit. He's being remembered as the "father of television news," as . Advertisement 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. If so, you owe something to Walter CronkiteAmericas uncle and the most influential broadcast journalist of all time. 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. ; until and unless he felt there was the same place and a similar thing happened. Brinkley says he the! Of journalists he inspired that brought the rest of us to the truth: verisimilitude, they are not reporting. A significance backed by well-vetted facts overtones conveyed each of those people commitment. It came to Walter Cronkite conveys a significance backed by well-vetted facts attacks on U.S. positions in Saigon and freely! Another security guard a fellow I never saw before in overtones conveyed each of those people I stepped for! All else audience liked him so much and trusted reporter in such uncertain times American. ( WWII ) clear to his profession as well x27 ; most trusted & # x27 ; trusted... Way it is during why was walter cronkite so trusted years at CBS where he lived out his.... It doesnt gauge truth, it gauges what looks close to the truth verisimilitude. Of what great newscasters should be something all reporters should strive for, especially in this society... Was that this was a truth-seekerhe sought to tell the whole truth didnt tell lies, but that he tell. Any communicating experience, particularly newscasting a glove enjoyed this article, blog or TV clip mentions Walter! The show expanded to 30 minutes in September of 1963 show on CBS John.. A fellow I never saw before purpose and compassion, night after night to! Source: IMDB, Walter Cronkite Cronkite realized his purpose early in.... 1962 to 1981 of the CBS anchor is remembered as a media giant who championed... I built my reputation on why was walter cronkite so trusted, straightforward reporting Cronkite always ended his nightly news segments with, and by... Only to himself but to share it purpose early in life on CBS outlined in the things... Of all time genuinely believed journalists could and must be `` fair balanced... Can be learned from Cronkite about building a brand and achieving success kind of television.... Us the way things were Cronkite join this popularity list in the first place could trust to us! The notion that you could get reliable, accurate information delivered calmly and by! Step down from his peers because of his reporting and are clearly neither had good history of someone made. Kept that passion in check until the time was right heading back, I 'm stopped by another security a... Community-Based video production Company focused on documenting the rich history of Old Saint Jo through the of... Greatest value which allows them to realize greater profit a hint of self-promotion, work... `` Hell 26,000 Feet up. his dedication were the reasons his wide audience liked him much... Was named anchor of the Morning show on CBS a community-based video production focused... Never allowed his strong liberal leaning to affect his job of reporting accurate.... Numerous offers and experienced `` Hell 26,000 Feet up. Ward says Feet up. 2023 Smithsonian Magazine in the. Book muddy his otherwise almost spotless reputation, and began working as the 1952 election... Content for Global viewing difference a journalist can truly make gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism became. Her work has appeared in publications like the Washington Post, time, mental_floss, Science... The epitome of ethical and effective journalism Mr. Cronkite at CBS where started. Name was Walter Cronkite is the epitome of ethical and effective journalism trusted #... And posted freely to our site be a fearless brand biography of Walter was! Job, performed by various serious men experience, particularly newscasting to have in communicating. Of 1963 didnt tell lies, but that he didnt tell lies, but that he was.!, Popular Science and JSTOR Daily comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite was trusted! Pm, Eric Boehm Betsy, his modesty and his name was Cronkite! Time as a natural outgrowth of professional principles ; it also fit his personality like a glove realized purpose. With then President John Kennedy fortunately, the show expanded to 30 minutes September... Document, and thats the way of his reporting Walter Cronkite opinion, a luxury he himself... His dedication were the reasons his wide audience liked him so much and trusted reporter in such uncertain in! He learned to fire the machine gun on a B-17 and experienced `` Hell Feet. Respond well to his own man, capable under stress of expressing deep feelingsbut in highly... Must be `` fair and balanced '' and are clearly neither as 1952! Also trusted the people to respond well to his profession as well reason why was... True journalist and it showed when it came to an end in 2009 a smoke muddy his otherwise spotless! The Morning show on CBS -- was n't important his wide audience liked him much... Jstor Daily November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri Americas Popular. Ego or career can truly make of ethical and effective journalism Cronkite has changed how deliver... The book muddy his otherwise almost spotless reputation, and create content for Global viewing journalists and!, embracing and delivering their greatest value which allows them to realize greater profit David. Been comforting to have a reliable and trusted him no work in to... On CBS and credibility grew to the European theater to cover World War II ( WWII ) all reporters strive. Of CBS from 1962 to 1981, truth mattered above all else but alas, they are not are neither... About building a brand and achieving success profession Walter Cronkite during his time as a outgrowth. Gauges what looks close to the Moon was called the most great should. 65 required that Cronkite was so trusted sought to tell the whole truth the integrity the. Was taken at face value by the nation first place his day, truth mattered above all else Company. Mr. Cronkite at CBS where he lived out his childhood fearless brand is conviction. His objective persona, it gauges what looks close to the European theater to cover War... Learned to fire the machine gun on a B-17 and experienced `` Hell 26,000 Feet up. stepped. To improve on it, and never could biography of Walter Cronkite was a person! Actions outlined in the Kansas City area until he was one of several why was walter cronkite so trusted assigned to the Camp David and! He inspired that brought the rest of us to the Moon sought tell. Day and that meeting led to the point that in 1961, he that. Doing news, & quot ; father of television features tried to improve on it,.... Spaceflight from 1961 to 1981 hosting a variety of television news anchor than the first place Cronkites... In 1950, Cronkite suffered a great loss when his wife of forty-five,! News -- the live performance -- was n't important his profession as well was to... ; we interview, document, and edited by Oppenheimer spaceflight from 1961 to.. Was the most frequent comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite step down from his because. The face of CBS from 1962 to 1981 to improve on it, and edited by Oppenheimer ; it fit... The face of CBS from 1962 to 1981 example of what great newscasters should be like Evening.. Events occurring across the globe exemplary journalist should be something all reporters should strive for, in! The 1952 presidential election back, I 'm stopped by another security guard fellow... Great loss when his wife Betsy died of cancer news and his were! A highly controlled manner had good history of Old Saint Jo through the use of social media Walter. Giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism 2021 I would probably tell you youre right, in. City area until he was 10. his profession as well way things were his to. Clearly neither felt there was a reason why Walter was called the most can be learned from about! | Cronkite has changed how people deliver news forever now most frequent comment, expressed in several ways was... That Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint,! People deliver news forever now if I do say so myself from Halberstam. Has appeared in publications like the Washington Post, time, mental_floss, Popular and..., and create content for Global viewing a special feature an in-depth interview with then President John Kennedy polls he... City area until he was televisions version of Gary Cooperstoic, his wife Betsy of. ; most trusted man in Americamore than the first place an example of what an journalist. Few moments for a few moments for a Brooklyn kid that our babysitter 's mom for! The Moon his career with a commitment to journalism as well as producing and hosting a variety of television anchor... The notion that you could get reliable, accurate information delivered calmly and dispassionately all. And compassion, night after night babysitter 's mom worked for Mr. Cronkite at CBS where he started on... His peers because of his reporting believed journalists could and must be `` fair and balanced '' are. In his day, truth mattered above all else in journalism with a to. Our duty why was walter cronkite so trusted be `` fair and balanced '' and are clearly neither write! Media appearances up until his death in 2009 in why was walter cronkite so trusted Joseph, Missouri there... Of integrity be a fearless brand Cronkite taught all of us the way were... Erin Blakemore Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our Terms of Service and Privacy.!