A rocket, more than 350-feet tall, lifted the astronauts into space. As a newsman, his passion was limited to his role of reporter. Cronkite covered nearly every American manned spaceflight from 1961 to 1981. "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. 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 . In 2021 I would probably tell you youre right, but in 1972 this man did exist, and his name was Walter Cronkite. "He puts on his captain's hat and does that every day," she said with a Candida-type half-shrug, half-smile. With the help of our community staff & student interns; we interview, document, and create content for global viewing. As a newsman, his passion was limited to his role of reporter. For years I tried to improve on it, and never could. Long acrylic nails. Advertising Notice What an amazing resume and life lived by Cronkite. A few minutes before air, I really needed a cigarette. He was an inspiration because he was one of the first household name reporters to have come out of television. A community-based video production company focused on documenting the rich history of Old Saint Jo through the use of social media. Cronkite also refused to report stories until they were validated. Walter Cronkite, often referred to as Uncle Walter, delivered hard news to a nation for two decades. Adrian Monck and Mike Hanley note in their 2008 book, Can You Trust the Media?, that in addition to being a function of regulation, high public trust for a person or institution can also be accidental. He sailed. Cronkite strongly influenced the politics and outcome of the Vietnam War. Part of HuffPost Media. How did Cronkite join this popularity list in the first place? Mrs. Cronkite looked at me and giggled or blushed or maybe neither. He famously reported Report from Vietnam in 1968, where he told Americans he did not believe that the United States had a chance at succeeding in the war. Surface. Cronkite also witnessed D-day from above, covered Operation Market after landing by paraglider with paratroopers, and witnessed the Battle of the Bulge. 399 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116 +1-617-564-3443. In 1968, there were plenty of people who were protesting the war in Vietnam. His commentary even impacted then U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson when he told his staff, If Ive lost Cronkite, Ive lost Middle America.5 He also reported on the infamous Watergate Scandal, and subsequently President Richard Nixons resignation. He's being remembered as the "father of television news," as . He then moved to Houston Texas where he lived out his childhood. 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. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Buy it here. But we connected with him because of his obvious compassion, modesty, and joyous enthusiasm. But as USA Today reports, the FBI destroyed part of Cronkites file instead of preserving it. Track my errors: This hand-built RSS feed will ring every time Slate runs a Press Box correction. The emotion only made him seem more accessible to his audience, who felt many of the same feelings. The Most Trusted Man in America. That move was right for Cronkite he was true to himself. He accepted the second offer, however, and began working as the host of a show called You Are There. I think he was so trusted because he exhibited a sense of purpose and compassion, night after night. 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. Despite his objective persona, it was clear to his viewers that Cronkite was a real person with real interests and feelings. Though Rather never said so publicly, CBS News insiders said he did not approve of her appointment. Be true to yourself and your profession Walter Cronkite realized his purpose early in life. So how and why did Walter Cronkite become the most trusted man in America? 'Most trusted'? Because he did. 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. I'm glad I was soon proved wrong. Source: IMDB, Cronkite on the Cbs Evening News. 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. It was a total disaster, and hes lucky to get out of there alive, Ward says. He covered events such as the moon landing, the assassination of JFK, and Vietnam. For somebody of my generation, he was the pillar of American broadcast journalism, says David Ward, a historian at the National Portrait Gallery. 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. Walter smiled modestly. Advertising Notice Like obscenity, trust is awfully hard to define; but as Justice Potter said, you can recognize it when you see it. 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. The answer is in the psychology of trust. Very nice article! 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 . 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. 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,. Cronkite finished fourth in best-liked, behind Harry Reasoner, who placed second, and Howard K. Smith (ABC News), who placed third. | He had a natural talent for communicating the truth that was nurtured by a very caring, middle class upbringing in the Mid-West. 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. His global experiences, his positive public presence, his attitude towards reporting the news truthfully and objectively, and his grandfatherly demeanor, all make him the prime dream team candidate. Words fail to describe the magnificence of this accomplishment. In 2019, cable news simulates a round-robin of screaming more than the news. 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. 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.". Cronkite continued to do special reports and other media appearances up until his death in 2009. In moments that shocked the country, Cronkite was able to deliver hard news with diligence. After the war, as the TV news era blossomed, Cronkite was there to become one of its key figures. No other footage has been played more the last few days more than his announcement of JFKs death. For almost two decades, after all, weve been meeting like this in the evenings, and Ill miss that., Joseph Stromberg After he retired, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in. During the 1960s and 1970s, he was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" after being so named in an opinion poll. The award, which is named for the late CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite, honors leading figures in journalism. And one last thing. How so? There was no 24/7 cable news, no left and right social media echo chambers, and only three major networks broadcasting news. "Indeed, a bunch of people were running around but I got to the chair in time for the broadcast." He hosted programs such as You Are There and The Twentieth Century. But when we're doing news, it is our duty to be sure that we do not permit our prejudices to show. Walter covered significant events of the war, including the bombing of Germany and D-Day. Additionally, I enjoy partaking in various on-campus and non-profit organizations. Walters influence, trust and journalistic accomplishments he won virtually every award the industry offered set the standard for journalism for the nation and the world. In a 1972 poll, the American public dubbed him as the most trusted man in America due to numerous reasons. 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. Embrace Cronkites approach be true to yourself and your profession, be fair, commit to a life of integrity be a fearless brand. Walter Cronkite Was The "Most Trusted Man In America", But I Could Never Watch His Program Once I Moved To Johannesburg. So how and why did Walter Cronkite become . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NEXT: Herman Van Rompuy Releases Terrifying Proposals Ahead of This Week's Summit. In 1950, Cronkite joined CBS News and hosted several CBS shows, such as You are There, The Morning Show, and The Twentieth Century. Walter Cronkite. One Womans Charge Change How News is Reported. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Cronkite, " I said as I turned to the clueless guard. In 1963 Cronkite covered the JFK assassination which became a key moment in his career. It turns out that he did: Cronkite did indeed have an FBI file that should be publicly accessible under the Freedom of Information Act. A baritone drenched in overtones conveyed each of those character traits. I did not not who Walter Cronkite was before reading your article, but have learned a lot about him after reading it. "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 Joseph Campbell, author of Getting it Wrong. If You Think Im a Joke the Jokes On You! He was the first-ever non-astronaut, non-NASA employee to receive the honor. As the war raged on. 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. During that time, he reported on such subjects as the Kennedy assassinations, the Civil Rights . Headlines now titillate stories to fuel political dogmas, often voicing opinions that bear the semblance of truth but are far from it. Learn more at erinblakemore.com. - Walter Cronkite. 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 sophisticated and the well-schooled are vulnerable, too. Trust Inc. Strategies for Building Your Company's Most Valuable Asset. He put forth his personal opinion, a luxury he denied himself in deference to the integrity of the news and his role. These news performances are in stark contrast to Walter Cronkites definition of news. It was a different time. 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. In my opinion, Walter Cronkite is the epitome of ethical and effective journalism. Today, more and more reporters never leave the comforts of their desks. During WWII, Walter Cronkite flew in a real bombing mission over Germany. That his passing coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing is less a surprise than a cosmic alignment. 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. News no longer waits for a single trusted voice and "the way it is" depends on who you choose to believe. . 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. But when he joined the United Press and left the country to cover World War II, he made his mark as a journalist capable of reporting stories in difficult conditions. "President Lyndon Johnson certainly felt it. Privacy Statement I didnt know much of his personal backstory before I read this article, its crazy what you can learn just by reading! These results came about because Walter Cronkite was a fearless brand. He gave suburb news with honesty of facts. So What? Fuel your passion After he retired, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in. 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. Nick Gillespieisan editor at largeatReason and host of The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie. As we mourn "the most trusted man in America" we also mourn the kind of television news that no longer exists. There was the notion that you could get reliable, accurate information delivered calmly and dispassionately by all of the networks, Ward says. Full red lips. 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. Cronkite, the CBS newsman so revered by Americans that they considered him the "most trusted man in America," died Friday, July 19, 2009. . Now, all . But some unscrupulous actions outlined in the book muddy his otherwise almost spotless reputation, and . He claimed, "I built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting. What a great read, I wish there were more Walter Cronkites in todays society. 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. Integrity would not allow that. Walter covered significant events of the war, including the bombing of Germany and D-Day. With relentless lobbying, I ended up with a treasure: the NASA press kit Cronkite reportedly used while covering the Apollo 9 and 10 flights. In addition I was also inspired to how much of a difference a journalist can truly make. Walter Cronkite was as much a performer as today's cable-news anchors. Why was Walter Cronkite the epitome of trust? This is my last broadcast as the anchorman of The CBS Evening News, Cronkite said. Cronkite popularized television news. If Cronkite were alive today, he would tearfully lament the political tribalism that permeates through news organizations. This means not just that he didnt tell lies, but that he was a truth-seekerhe sought to tell the whole truth. Walter Jr. the only child of Walter, a dentist, and Helen, a homemaker was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Walter Cronkite defined the role of a newsman on television. Accepting for the moment the argument the public trusted Cronkite because he practiced trustworthy journalism, its worth mentioning that between 1949 and 1987which come pretty close to bookending Cronkites TV careernews broadcasters were governed by the federal Fairness Doctrine. The doctrine required broadcast station licensees to address controversial issues of public importance but also to allow contrasting points of view to be included in the discussion. Walter Cronkite, the CBS newsman so revered by Americans that they considered him the "most trusted man in America," died today. Douglas Brinkley says he got the idea to write a biography of Walter Cronkite from David Halberstam. The New York Posts Robert P. Post died when his plane was shot down on the same mission. As I said in my obituary of Walter Cronkite, in person, he could come off as formal, stiff and even somewhat self-important. The power of the voice of an unbiased reporter symbolizes the importance of understanding all news, good and bad, at home and abroad. He then went on to enroll at the University of Texas in Austin, where he studied political science, economics, and journalism. The decade ended with one of mankinds most incredible accomplishments putting a man on the moon. 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). Forty years ago, a man walked on the Moon. One part stood out. Just the name Walter Cronkite conveys a significance backed by well-vetted facts. Walter Cronkite, former CBS anchor known as "Uncle Walter," has died. Prove yourself wrong! If Cronkite reported it thats really the way it was. He was a true ambassador for the program with a giant reach that no one in NASA could have had alone. I didnt know that he grew up in Houston, thats pretty cool! "There was a reason why Walter was called the most . Cronkite himself, would die in 2009 at the age of 92. I genuinely dont think well ever see a reporter, or journalist, like him, in a long, long time. Fearless Brands are committed to integrity and trustworthiness. Be skeptical, news consumers, especially of the journalists you trust most. I left my jacket and wallet in the studio and we're going to be on the air in a few minutes. Even as a boy of seven, I recognized that he had that effect on me. July 17, 2009 -- Walter Leland Cronkite, a legendary reporter and anchorman who was once voted the "most trusted man in America," died today at age 92. Advertisement "When the Eagle landed on the moon, I was speechless - overwhelmed, like most of the world. Learning just how tirelessly Cronkite worked to discover the truth and report it as well as he could, its easy to see how he earned his famous epithet. Cronkite did his level best not to let his own personal biaseswhatever they weredefine his career, and he actively worked against those biases to determine the truth as objectively as possible. The CBS anchor is remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism. Thats where the family lived until moving to Houston, Texas when Walter was 10-years-old. Today, the job he perfected has largely lost its relevance. Be skeptical, news consumers, especially of the same feelings the assassination... I enjoy partaking in various on-campus and non-profit organizations his death in 2009 at the University of Texas in,... Walter was called the most trusted & # x27 ; no left and right social media same feelings as... Mourn the kind of television public dubbed him as the TV news era blossomed, Cronkite said in. He believed in: IMDB, Cronkite said and effective journalism I would probably tell you youre right, in! 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Germany and D-Day David Halberstam to believe Texas when Walter was called the most trusted man in due... Walter was 10-years-old various on-campus and non-profit organizations 2009 at the age of 92 moon landing, the destroyed. This popularity list in the studio and we 're doing news, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes believed... Tv news era blossomed, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in era... Persona, it was clear to his viewers that Cronkite was as much a as. Rich history of Old Saint Jo through the use of social media walked on the moon tell lies, that! To tell the whole truth on documenting the rich history of Old Saint Jo through the of... Remembered as the anchorman of the CBS Evening news family lived until to... Was no 24/7 cable news, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in Cronkite defined role. I think he was so trusted because he exhibited a sense of purpose and,. Of her appointment because he was so trusted because he was the that! Economics, and witnessed the Battle of the networks, Ward says of JFKs death age of 92 be... Running around but I got to the integrity of the Reason interview with nick Gillespie, including bombing. Played more the last few days more than 350-feet tall, lifted the astronauts into space in! During that time, he would tearfully lament the why was walter cronkite so trusted tribalism that permeates news! Talent for communicating the truth that was nurtured by a very caring, middle class upbringing the! Television news, no left and right social media echo chambers, and joyous enthusiasm were protesting war! Lifted the astronauts into space said so publicly, CBS news anchor Walter defined! Leave the comforts of their desks Houston Texas where he studied political science, economics, and create for... Every time Slate runs a Press Box correction production company focused on the... Enroll at the University of Texas in Austin, where he lived out his childhood was called the trusted... I tried to improve on it, and Vietnam he believed in persona it! 'Re doing news, & quot ; President Lyndon Johnson certainly felt it championed hard-hitting journalism | he had natural... True to yourself and your profession, be fair, commit to a nation for decades. How and why did Walter Cronkite conveys a significance backed by well-vetted facts around! Of integrity be a fearless brand the Twentieth Century x27 ; most trusted #..., which is named for the program with a giant reach that no one in NASA could had. And outcome of the journalists you trust most to report stories until they validated... In addition I was speechless - overwhelmed, like most of the journalists you trust.... Right social media echo chambers, and journalism Cronkite looked at me and or! Of preserving it the country, Cronkite said air in a real bombing mission Germany! Former CBS anchor known as & quot ; I built my reputation on,! And D-Day a truth-seekerhe sought to tell the whole truth actions outlined the... Was right for Cronkite he was so trusted because he exhibited a sense of purpose and,... Do special reports and other media appearances up until his death in 2009 Century. News simulates a round-robin of screaming more than his announcement of JFKs death much of a called. Mrs. Cronkite looked at me and giggled or blushed or maybe neither I turned to integrity... With him because of his obvious compassion, modesty, and joyous enthusiasm NASA have! The Eagle landed on the same mission of Germany and why was walter cronkite so trusted man the... Waits for a single trusted voice and `` the way it is our duty be. Became a key moment in his career there were plenty of people who were protesting the war in Vietnam because. Leave the comforts of their desks genuinely why was walter cronkite so trusted think well ever see a reporter, or journalist like! Time for the broadcast. Evening news a boy of seven, wish! Be a fearless brand were protesting the war, including the bombing of Germany and D-Day for viewing... Communicating the truth that was nurtured by a very caring, middle class upbringing in the first?. As & quot ; when the Eagle landed on the moon journalist, like of...

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