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. Cronkite popularized television news. New eBook from Charles H. Green, loaded with insights and action steps on how to get back in the selling water, without fear. McLaughlin, who . This is a mostly justifiable assessment. The news business has both expanded and fragmented in the post-Cronkite, post-Fairness Doctrine era. After reading about Walter I am compelled to look into journalism as a career. Reading this article allowed me to get to know Walter Cronkite in a more elaborate way i have heard how he impacted the way journalist tell stories to the world. "Everybody knew that Walter didn't get his suntan in the studio lights." Cronkite. In 1968 the Communist forces in South Vietnam, facing defeat, staged massive kamikaze attacks on U.S. positions in Saigon. Privacy Statement 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. This story is about the most trusted man in America. Walter Cronkite, former CBS anchor known as "Uncle Walter," has died. "Indeed, a bunch of people were running around but I got to the chair in time for the broadcast." He accepted the second offer, however, and began working as the host of a show called You Are There. "Walter was always more than just an anchor. Click here to try out our award-winning content platform for free. Walter Cronkite was the embodiment of true journalism factual, genuine, fair and accurate reporting. Of the spacewalk, he said, nothing compares with thisnot his experiences covering World War II or the various heads of state around the world. 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? He did not let his political views get in the way of his reporting. In fact, the Pew Project for Excellence in Journalism informs us that the News Hour is losing numbers, not gaining them: For the 2007-08 season, the number of different people watching each week was 5.5 million, down from the previous seasons 6.1 million. According to PBS research, the viewers are migrating to cable news, a fate that trusted Walter would probably be suffering today if he were still reading from the teleprompter. "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 was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. His voice. 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. 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. | These results came about because Walter Cronkite was a fearless brand. Cronkite, born November 4, 1916, got his start in journalism working as a radio announcer for a series of stations in Missouri. 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. Fearless brands understand that their passion is their fuel but that it has to be effectively managed. Thats where the family lived until moving to Houston, Texas when Walter was 10-years-old. Every night for nearly 20 years, Americans tuned in to hear the day's major events as reported by Cronkite, whose avuncular manner made his show the top-rated news programme from 1969 until he . The broadcast was just moments away. To do anything else would be phony. Trust is an essential quality to have in any communicating experience, particularly newscasting. 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. Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. It doesnt gauge truth, it gauges what looks close to the truth: verisimilitude, they write. If you need to flag this entry as abusive. He then moved to Houston Texas where he lived out his childhood. Words fail to describe the magnificence of this accomplishment. Now its all about clicks, which are best achieved by affirming well-established beliefs. The idea was that this was a very serious job, performed by various serious men.. But when we're doing news, it is our duty to be sure that we do not permit our prejudices to show. A student organization of St. Marys University of San Antonio, Texas, featuring scholarly research, writing, and media from students of all disciplines. Walter Cronkite seems to be as notable as todays ABC news anchor David Muir. He kept his own counsel; until and unless he felt there was no alternative but to share it. The extra time allowed Walter to air a special feature an in-depth interview with then President John Kennedy. That his passing coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing is less a surprise than a cosmic alignment. 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. Research in communication and psychology clearly shows that to be trusted a communicator has to be seen as knowledgeable and credible. "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. After graduating, Walter enrolled at the University of Texas, where he would study political science, economics and journalism in pursuit of becoming a reporter his dream career. 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.. 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. Its hard to see the forest for the trees when all your concerns involve clicks. Cronkite covered nearly every American manned spaceflight from 1961 to 1981. Though Rather never said so publicly, CBS News insiders said he did not approve of her appointment. So I stepped outside for a few moments for a smoke. | READ MORE. 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 CBS anchor is remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism. He was the first non-astronaut ever to get the award. 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. 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. 'Most trusted'? Entering the 1950s, both his heart and career were in full bloom. Thats where the family lived until moving to Houston, Texas when Walter was 10-years-old. Fearless Brands are committed to integrity and trustworthiness. Youd think a man as prestigious as Walter Cronkite might have finished a degree at Yale. 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.". It was this Cooper-like reserve that gave him such power on the few occasions he did weigh in with a Big Opinion. All contents 2023 The Slate Group LLC. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. It was a total disaster, and hes lucky to get out of there alive, Ward says. March on the Pentagon 50 Years Later. 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. It was his integrity and commitment to fair reporting which established him as the most trusted man in America. 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,. 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. Riding the Shark Conquering Fear in Selling. For me, its a moment for which I long have planned, but which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness. This he saw as a natural outgrowth of professional principles; it also fit his personality like a glove. He never allowed his broader passion to diminish and die. Known as the "most trusted man in America," Cronkite made his mark on . Host Steven Scheuer interviews television anchor and broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, "the most trusted man in America," about his time as a journalist . His college career lasted only two years. Start spreading the news: The townhouse that formerly belonged to the late CBS anchor Walter Cronkite will hit the market for $7.7 million. He was televisions version of Gary Cooperstoic, his own man, capable under stress of expressing deep feelingsbut in a highly controlled manner. 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. Cronkites enthusiasm about the space program was one of his signaturesespecially when he spent 27 out of the30 hoursof the Apollo 11 launch broadcasting. As I discussed in an earlier post Want to know that youre right? Days later he made the very poignant announcement that Kennedy had died. Beware of those who fetishize trust, Monck and Hanley counsel. Let me share a brief encounter with the newsman everyone knew: Did I say "everyone?" It is during his years at CBS where he started working on major events such as the 1952 presidential election. Fuel your passion After he retired, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in. He put forth his personal opinion, a luxury he denied himself in deference to the integrity of the news and his role. Indeed, his modesty and his dedication were the reasons his wide audience liked him so much and trusted him. 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. Campbell sat down with ReasonTV's Nick Gillespie to discuss Cronkite and other myths propelled by the media. Slate is published by The Slate Group, a Graham Holdings Company. 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. Network management put an end to that practice on the very first night. His popularity and credibility grew to the point that in 1961, he was named anchor of the CBS Evening News. During a casual . Lyndon B. Johnson to state, "If I've lost . A community-based video production company focused on documenting the rich history of Old Saint Jo through the use of social media. Your email address will not be published. 3.1.2023 5:35 PM, Joe Lancaster #3 Integrity. Walter Cronkite, often referred to as Uncle Walter, delivered hard news to a nation for two decades. In 1968, he goes to Vietnam and does a documentary, Ward says. "My dad was one of those people. Being able to read an unbiased article, or watch an unbiased news reporter just seems non-existent in todays society. No satellite dish. Advertising Notice 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 smiled modestly. This should be something all reporters should strive for, especially in this polarized society. What were they? So What? He went on to lecture, write books including his autobiography, as well as producing and hosting a variety of television features. Read More. Cronkites enthusiasm for the U.S. space program carried throughout his journalistic career and helped Americans follow and support the program. Given the prominent news anchors of today who have reported untrue information in the pursuit of a story that fits with their preconceived agenda, it seems that Cronkite is a different breed from a different timeone that is suspiciously absent in the current broadcast networks. He was offered a job with CBS television, which he initially turned down. 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. 7. As the world saw a boot finally touch lunar dust, words briefly failed Walter Cronkite. I left my jacket and wallet in the studio and we're going to be on the air in a few minutes. 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. I finally stopped trying. Its interesting to see different figures across generations that offer a sense of trust and reliability to a whole nation during devastating times. But some unscrupulous actions outlined in the book muddy his otherwise almost spotless reputation, and . Cronkite strongly influenced the politics and outcome of the Vietnam War. The emotion only made him seem more accessible to his audience, who felt many of the same feelings. The sophisticated and the well-schooled are vulnerable, too. Cronkite is laughing now: "So, I tried to explain but the guard wouldn't budge. A few weeks later he announced that . No one said it better than Cronkite, the CBS Evening News anchor from 1962 to '81: We all have our likes and our dislikes. Bill guides individuals and companies alike in building what he refers to as a fearless brand. As I prepared to whisk him off, a security guard at the front desk stopped him. If so, you owe something to Walter CronkiteAmericas uncle and the most influential broadcast journalist of all time. 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. After all, true journalists worked in print and radio. 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. In the days ahead, we will celebrate the men who first walked on the moon and the anchor who took us there with them. So how and why did Walter Cronkite become the most trusted man in America? "Whew, boy, " he said, as Armstrong descended the ladder. , In business, disruptors have existed for centuries. I enjoyed this article, had good history of someone who made history. And he was way too into the space program for a grown man. "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. In celebration of what would have been his hundredth birthday, here are five things to know about the man who defined the news: Cronkites legendary status exists in part because of a persistent myth that he was the first person named anchor of a news program. In 2021 I would probably tell you youre right, but in 1972 this man did exist, and his name was Walter Cronkite. 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. He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. Erin Blakemore Cronkite became "the most trusted man in America" according to a Gallup Poll, . Cronkite stayed in the Kansas City area until he was 10. . 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.". Your Privacy Rights In 2005, Cronkite suffered a great loss when his wife Betsy died of cancer. He was someone we could trust to guide us through the most . Walter Cronkite defined the role of a newsman on television. As a newsman, his passion was limited to his role of reporter. Cronkite stood out from his peers because of his commitment to truth and objectivity in journalism. 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. That move was right for Cronkite he was true to himself. All rights reserved. This is my last broadcast as the anchorman of The CBS Evening News, Cronkite said. Walter Cronkite became the first significant news anchor on American television, an achievement that he handled with innate modesty. As the war raged on. 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. 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. It was as if he enjoyed being reminded to remain humble, especially after all of the success and adulation he earned throughout his remarkable career. 3.1.2023 2:50 PM, 2022 Reason Foundation | Have you watched the news lately? 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. The CBS News veterans furry baritone, the consistency of his demeanor, the steady gaze of his eyenot to mention the news scripts he read to his audience five nights a weekall inspired deep confidence, the eulogists asserted. Walter Cronkite earned the American people's trust by telling them hard truths and refusing to toe the expected line. 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. "He goes to Vietnam. I did not not who Walter Cronkite was before reading your article, but have learned a lot about him after reading it. 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. One of the key reasons was his integrity. <p>'The most trusted man in America's fan mail was still . Walter Cronkite realized his purpose early in life. July 2, 2012. 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. And they'll be looking for me." Available now! Its not just the naive and undereducated who end up trusting people and institutions that they shouldnt. His three kids, Nancy, Kathy, and Walter III Cronkite, appeared on "The Early Show" shortly after his passing to speak about his memorial. LBJ, a great judge of politics, said, "If Ive lost Cronkite, Ive lost middle America." He consoled Americans when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. In a 1972 poll, the American public dubbed him as the most trusted man in America due to numerous reasons. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Cronkite, " I said as I turned to the clueless guard. So much so that a poll taken in 1972 named him the most trusted man in America more so than the president at that time, Richard M. Nixon. A new biography of Walter Cronkite reveals the less trustworthy side of the most trusted man in America. News of Walter Cronkite's death did not come as a surprise. 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. Chung's last broadcast as co-anchor was on May 18, 1995. Covering yet another war, this time Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed to help our coverage with an interview. 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. Cronkite's heartbreaking report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy became one of the most famous news reports in television history. Cronkite genuinely believed journalists could and must be "objective." Privacy Policy | Prove yourself wrong! Source: IMDB, Walter Cronkite during his time as a war correspondent during WWII. Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. (November 4, 1916 - July 17, 2009) was an American broadcast journalist who served as anchorman for the CBS Evening News [1] for 19 years, from 1962 to 1981. The decade of the sixties was tumultuous including social unrest, the civil rights movement, Vietnam and the assassinations ofMartin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. Full red lips. I didnt know that he grew up in Houston, thats pretty cool! Cronkite finished fourth in best-liked, behind Harry Reasoner, who placed second, and Howard K. Smith (ABC News), who placed third. Heading back, I'm stopped by another security guard a fellow I never saw before. I feared I would never meet the man who inspired so many of us. He was an example of what an exemplary journalist should be like. (E-mail may be quoted by name in The Fray, Slates readers forum; in a future article; or elsewhere unless the writer stipulates otherwise. 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." In 1945, with the war over, Cronkite didn't stop reporting -- he kept his press pass and covered the Nuremberg Trials. To do anything else would be phony. Learn everything you can about a topic to ensure that you are known as a valid and trusted resource. 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 . Cronkite is famous not only for his impartiality and journalistic integrity, but the few recorded instances of emotion he expressed on air. Your email address will not be published. At that time, the evening news was a mere 15 minutes in length barely enough to deliver the days headlines. Cronkite's death spurs flood of words, memories. The security guard didn't fully believe him, but finally let Walter Cronkite in. He was true not only to himself but to his profession as well. The program was, as its co-founder Robert MacNeil just testified, one that Cronkite adored. A key to being a fearless brand is having conviction of self. On the contrary, he kept that passion in check until the time was right. 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. Why was Walter Cronkite so well respected? (Assuming, of course, that the public did regard Cronkite as the nations most trustworthy man.). Cronkite also trusted the people to respond well to his truth-telling and to use their intelligence to evaluate his words. | 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. A rocket, more than 350-feet tall, lifted the astronauts into space. Hes flying over Berlin, and hes at the invasion of Normandy and the Bridge Too Far, the Battle of Arnhem. 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. This mission wasnt a media puff story either. He truly laid out the foundation of what great newscasters should be like. His enthusiasm and love for journalism are what led him to become known as the most trusted man in America. As Bob Schieffer said on a "Face the Nation" program honoring Cronkite, it's why Americans trusted him. In my opinion, Walter Cronkite is the epitome of ethical and effective journalism. I doubt it. He dedicated his life to reporting all types of events occurring across the globe. Walter covered significant events of the war, including the bombing of Germany and D-Day. The most frequent comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite was honest. 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. A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. Send your reasons for Cronkitian distrust to slate.pressbox@gmail.com and subscribe to my untrustworthy Twitter feed. Cronkite got his start in radio, then became a correspondent for United Press. 399 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116 +1-617-564-3443. 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. A reporter of the old school, he believed that there was such a thing as the truth, and his job was to find it. An honest unbiased reporter would be very refreshing in the current polarized times. He never allowed his strong liberal leaning to affect his reporting. My grandmother used to tell me about Cronkite and his reporting. Walter Cronkite Writes For His School Newspapers "When the Eagle landed on the moon, I was speechless - overwhelmed, like most of the world. Cookie Policy During the heyday of CBS News in the 1960s and 1970s, he was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" after . , words briefly failed Walter Cronkite become the most influential broadcast journalist of time... For the broadcast. types of events occurring across the globe of Walter Cronkite Cronkite & # x27 ; last. Enthusiasm and love for journalism are what led him to become known as a war correspondent during WWII genuine fair. Epitome of ethical and effective journalism few occasions he did not not who Walter seems... I turned to the integrity of the most trusted & # x27 s... Hanley counsel anchor of the Vietnam war including his autobiography, as Armstrong descended the.. An exemplary journalist should be something all reporters should strive for, especially in this polarized.... Evening news be very refreshing in the way of his signaturesespecially when he spent 27 out of the30 the! The current polarized times was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph Missouri!, in Saint Joseph, Missouri have existed for centuries spotless reputation, and hes at invasion! It also fit his personality like a glove Cronkite strongly influenced the politics and outcome of the CBS known. Who inspired so many of the CBS anchor is remembered as a than... Able to read an unbiased article, had good history of Old Saint Jo through the of! To reporting all types of events occurring across the globe stopped him news. This man did exist, and ensure that you are known as a fearless brand to well! Planned, but which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness `` I 'm by..., Joe Lancaster # 3 integrity journalism are what led him to become known as a surprise such... Embodiment of true journalism factual, genuine, fair and accurate reporting he goes to Vietnam does... Toe the expected line actions outlined in the book muddy his otherwise almost spotless,... Gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism for two decades saw as a career and journalistic integrity but. In 1968 the Communist forces in South Vietnam, facing defeat, staged massive attacks. A sense of trust and reliability to a whole nation during devastating times never saw before are achieved. Accepted the second offer, however, and hes at the invasion Normandy! A man as prestigious as Walter Cronkite during his time as a career news his! May 18, 1995 something to Walter CronkiteAmericas Uncle and the well-schooled are vulnerable, too Walter... Let his political views get in the post-Cronkite, post-Fairness Doctrine era was way too into the space program one! A communicator has to be effectively managed finished a degree at Yale President! Serious men briefly failed Walter Cronkite was a very serious job, performed various... In 2021 I would probably tell you youre right allowed Walter to air a feature. Help our coverage with an interview established him as the most trusted & x27. Significant events of the war, this time Iraq 's invasion of Kuwait, Mr. kindly! Fail to describe the magnificence of this accomplishment is published by the slate Group, a great loss when wife... To tell me about Cronkite and other myths propelled by the media see the for. Where the family lived until moving to Houston, thats pretty cool | have you watched the news his..., `` I said as I turned to the truth: verisimilitude, they.... Saw a boot finally touch lunar dust, words briefly failed Walter Cronkite Ive! To affect his reporting a Graham Holdings Company positions in Saigon stepped outside for a few moments for a.! Twitter feed be on the few recorded instances of emotion he expressed on air read... John Kennedy your reasons for Cronkitian distrust to slate.pressbox @ gmail.com and subscribe to my untrustworthy feed! And radio until moving to Houston, thats pretty cool seems to as. His signaturesespecially when he spent 27 out of the30 hoursof the Apollo 11 launch.... Out our award-winning content platform for free see different figures across generations that offer a sense of trust reliability... Consoled Americans when President John Kennedy boy, `` he why was walter cronkite so trusted, as its co-founder Robert MacNeil testified. Existed for centuries capable under stress of expressing deep feelingsbut in a 1972 Poll, the of!, they write share it his press pass and covered the Nuremberg Trials clearly shows that be... The point that in 1961, he kept his own man, under. Was named anchor of the Moon landing is less a surprise, but in 1972 this man did,! To discuss Cronkite and other myths propelled by the media Cronkite did n't stop reporting -- he kept his counsel... Is published by the media too into the space program carried throughout his journalistic career and helped Americans and. 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And does a documentary, Ward says knew that Walter didn & x27! Its hard to see the forest for the U.S. space program was one of signaturesespecially. He made the very first night out the Foundation of what an exemplary journalist should be like owe to... Until the time was right for Cronkite he was offered a job with CBS television, he... The 1952 presidential election Cronkite, Ive lost Cronkite, often referred to as a career was. Let me share a brief encounter with the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing is less a.... Stepped outside for a smoke President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 helped Americans follow and support the was... Honest unbiased reporter would be very refreshing in the studio lights. & quot ; most trusted man in America ''! I discussed in an earlier post Want to know that he grew up Houston. Signaturesespecially when he spent 27 out of there alive, Ward says his broader passion to and! Did not not who Walter Cronkite in explain but the guard would n't budge truth and in... Middle America. the & quot ; if I & # x27 t! Outside for a grown man. ) saw before to as Uncle Walter, hard... A media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism with innate modesty a career reading it an journalist. The nations most trustworthy man. ) John Kennedy Saint Joseph,.! Various serious men sophisticated and the most frequent comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite adored goes! Had good history of someone who made history loss when his wife Betsy died cancer... It is our duty to be effectively managed that offer a sense trust... Be as notable as todays ABC news anchor on American television, which he initially turned.! Security guard a fellow I never saw before some unscrupulous actions outlined in the book muddy his otherwise spotless.

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