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 news business has both expanded and fragmented in the post-Cronkite, post-Fairness Doctrine era. And one last thing. 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 . So how and why did Walter Cronkite become . In 1981, CBSs mandatory retirement age of 65 required that Cronkite step down from his post. "You need to show me some ID.," the fellow demanded. A few minutes before air, I really needed a cigarette. Cronkite made a bold decision to step out of his familiar role as impartial anchor and to express views that he said were "speculative, personal, subjective." Yet he was speaking for more than. As I said in my obituary of Walter Cronkite, in person, he could come off as formal, stiff and even somewhat self-important. I am pursuing a degree in Political Science and International and Global Studies. 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. Legendary CBS newsman Walter Cronkite, KB2GSD, who held the title of "Most Trusted Man in America," passed away Friday, July 17 after a long illness. "Walter Cronkite came into the living room reporting the news, and people trusted that he was giving them the truth," she said. Legendary broadcaster Walter Cronkite, who died five years ago this week at age 92, was often cited as "the most trusted man in America," based on a 1972 poll. 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 Writes For His School Newspapers 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 longtime New York City townhouse that once belonged to Walter Cronkite, otherwise known as the most trusted man in news, has quietly sold for $7.25 million, The Post has learned. During a casual . A reporter of the old school, he believed that there was such a thing as the truth, and his job was to find it. News of Walter Cronkite's death did not come as a surprise. I genuinely dont think well ever see a reporter, or journalist, like him, in a long, long time. His unassuming manner and sincerity were two reasons why people liked and trusted him so much. In 1950, Cronkite joined CBS News and hosted several CBS shows, such as You are There, The Morning Show, and The Twentieth Century. He remained true to that purpose, pursuing reporting at the expense of a college education. That is simply basic journalism. Sadly thats a rather quaint concept today. 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. During the 1960s and 1970s, he was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" after being so named in an opinion poll. His latest cause was world government and. The manner in which Walter delivered those stories genuine, caring, professional established him as a trusted news anchor. 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. The idea was that this was a very serious job, performed by various serious men.. At that time, the evening news was a mere 15 minutes in length barely enough to deliver the days headlines. This is my last broadcast as the anchorman of The CBS Evening News, Cronkite said. Terms of Use First listed . This is a mostly justifiable assessment. 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. Required fields are marked *. Cronkite himself, would die in 2009 at the age of 92. If Cronkite were alive today, he would tearfully lament the political tribalism that permeates through news organizations. Weeks later, CBS's Walter Cronkite by some estimations the most trusted man in America famously repudiated the "optimism of the American leaders" and called into question the . My unscientific sampling [], I recently listened to Howard Sterns interview with (Sir) Paul McCartney. If You Think Im a Joke the Jokes On You! That element of implicit authority, we just dont have anymore.. "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. He was 92 and had homes in New York and Martha's Vineyard, Mass. His funeral was held Thursday in New York. Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri. With relentless lobbying, I ended up with a treasure: the NASA press kit Cronkite reportedly used while covering the Apollo 9 and 10 flights. My grandmother used to tell me about Cronkite and his reporting. | One part stood out. Walter Cronkite with the News (1962-1963) CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell (2019-present) . | He wasnt the most educated or the best-looking newsman, but he was perhaps the most diligent. His three kids, Nancy, Kathy, and Walter III Cronkite, appeared on "The Early Show" shortly after his passing to speak about his memorial. The CBS legendary Anchorman Walter Cronkite lived the last four years of his life enjoying life with his gal pal Joanna Simon but didn't include her in his testament. , In business, disruptors have existed for centuries. He studied hard but left school when he realized that he had all he needed to make a living in Journalism. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I left my jacket and wallet in the studio and we're going to be on the air in a few minutes. 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. This story is about the most trusted man in America. Cronkite taught all of us the way things were. In the early 1970s, an opinion poll identified Cronkite as the most trusted public figure in America, a label that stayed with him for decades. "Indeed, a bunch of people were running around but I got to the chair in time for the broadcast." He had no truck with deconstructionists who believe its all subjective, he was a midwest pragmatist of the William James school. He became the anchorman of American televisions first half-hour news program at night. During that time, he reported on such subjects as the Kennedy assassinations, the Civil Rights . #2 Selflessness. 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 . He died on July 17, 2009, at age 92. We trusted him and that . 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. <p>'The most trusted man in America's fan mail was still . Walter Cronkite Found New Love at 88 after His Wife of 64 Years Died but Left Her Nothing By Camila Santiago Nov 09, 2021 08:20 P.M. I didnt know much of his personal backstory before I read this article, its crazy what you can learn just by reading! Charles L. Ponce de Leon February 1, 2013. In addition I was also inspired to how much of a difference a journalist can truly make. In 1968, he goes to Vietnam and does a documentary, Ward says. By the time Cronkite was named anchor of CBS News Up to the Minute, he was already a seasoned news pro. Essays by over 30 trust experts. In 2005, Cronkite suffered a great loss when his wife Betsy died of cancer. 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." "That wasn't why I was laughing, young man," Walter said to me. After he retired, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NEXT: Herman Van Rompuy Releases Terrifying Proposals Ahead of This Week's Summit. Your Privacy Rights 0 Why the World Trusted Walter. He was one of several reporters assigned to the European theater to cover World War II (WWII). Walter Jr. the only child of Walter, a dentist, and Helen, a homemaker was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Cronkite popularized television news. Nick Gillespieisan editor at largeatReason and host of The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie. He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. Privacy Policy | 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. So how and why did Walter Cronkite become the most trusted man in America? Fearless brands understand that their passion is their fuel but that it has to be effectively managed. 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. He became the host of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. Howard asked Paul about multiple instances where John Lennon had been cruel towards McCartney; didnt he feel treated unfairly, hurt, resentful, Howard asked? He's being remembered as the "father of television news," as . Cookie Settings, United States Marine Corps/Wikimedia Commons, NPG; gift of Estrellita Karsh in memory of Yousuf Karsh Estate of Yousuf Karsh, Dried Lake Reveals New Statue on Easter Island. 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. But you can still see it. He was 92. Cronkite strongly influenced the politics and outcome of the Vietnam War. Veronique de Rugy Being able to read an unbiased article, or watch an unbiased news reporter just seems non-existent in todays society. Part of HuffPost Media. If Cronkite reported it thats really the way it was. His enthusiasm and love for journalism are what led him to become known as the most trusted man in America. I finally stopped trying. No cable news. The power of the voice of an unbiased reporter symbolizes the importance of understanding all news, good and bad, at home and abroad. Nice job! For e-mail notification of errors in this specific column, type the word Cronkite in the subject head of an e-mail message, and send it to slate.pressbox@gmail.com. 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. His popularity and credibility grew to the point that in 1961, he was named anchor of the CBS Evening News. Words fail to describe the magnificence of this accomplishment. By then, Mr. Cronkite had retired. I also didnt know that he had traveled to Vietnam to report on the war, I think that was very brave of him. It will make you smarter and keep them honest. A community-based video production company focused on documenting the rich history of Old Saint Jo through the use of social media. In moments that shocked the country, Cronkite was able to deliver hard news with diligence. The sophisticated and the well-schooled are vulnerable, too. I apologized again as we walked through the hallways and studio he knew so well. 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. 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. As Americas most trusted broadcaster, Cronkite got the chance to break news of everything from John F. Kennedys assassination to the first moonwalk. Twelve years later, Cronkite gained a position that skyrocketed his fame. Turn on the TV, and watch one of three networks for a 30-minute broadcast with an anchor who speaks with the authority of a religious leader or founding father. Erin Blakemore is a Boulder, Colorado-based journalist. Cronkite refused to allow his personal beliefs to affect his job of reporting accurate news. July 2, 2012. 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. Scroll down for downloadable versions and subscribe to ReasonTV's YouTube Channel to receive automatic updates when new stories go live. He wasn't the most educated or the best-looking newsman, but he was perhaps the most diligent. 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. Today, the job he perfected has largely lost its relevance. 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. Your email address will not be published. It was a total disaster, and hes lucky to get out of there alive, Ward says. Just doing the news -- the live performance -- wasn't important. Privacy Statement As a newsman, his passion was limited to his role of reporter. Be skeptical, news consumers, especially of the journalists you trust most. Cookie Policy | 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 . One way around the Fairness Doctrine was to tamp down controversy, which all three networks often did. In 1945, with the war over, Cronkite didn't stop reporting -- he kept his press pass and covered the Nuremberg Trials. 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. Host Steven Scheuer interviews television anchor and broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, "the most trusted man in America," about his time as a journalist . In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, this is how most Americans got their newsand the man who defined this era, more than any other, was Walter Cronkite. Douglas Brinkley says he got the idea to write a biography of Walter Cronkite from David Halberstam. Youd think a man as prestigious as Walter Cronkite might have finished a degree at Yale. Indeed, his modesty and his dedication were the reasons his wide audience liked him so much and trusted him. 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. It isn't enough to say that he was the "most trusted man in America," as. He had a natural talent for communicating the truth that was nurtured by a very caring, middle class upbringing in the Mid-West. And every article, blog or TV clip mentions how Walter Cronkite was so trusted. He kept his opinions, like his emotions, largely to himself. Walter Cronkite realized his purpose early in life. As consumers shifted consumption of news from newsprint to television in the 1960s, consumers shifted whom and what they trusted, too. Well, almost everyone. Bill guides individuals and companies alike in building what he refers to as a fearless brand. Cronkite famously reported in 1968 that the government was not being truthful to the American people about the Vietnam War after he went to Vietnam and observed the situation there for himself. Cronkite was the face of CBS from 1962 to 1981. 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. Author Douglas David Brinkley refers often in the book, titled Cronkite, to the anchorman's "most trusted" status. Inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the Fighting 1st, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th. "(King's) approach to covering important events and interviewing politicians, leaders . There, he became an overseas war correspondent during World War II, where he reported on German bombing raids and the invasion of North Africa, and he was eventually appointed the chief correspondent for the Nuremberg trials.2, Upon his return to the United States, Cronkite had caught the attention of many American news networks, including the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). 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. 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. A bright blue flower in her hair, matching her blue outfit. 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. Cronkites enthusiasm about the space program was one of his signaturesespecially when he spent 27 out of the30 hoursof the Apollo 11 launch broadcasting. Walter was very lucky, because soon after moving, he read an article in. But the lack of real-world experience has put perspective in short supply, and the public's interest in reading things that simply confirm their own views has put news outlets in a tough spot. 3.1.2023 5:35 PM, Joe Lancaster The average senator scored 67 percent in the survey, and President Richard Nixoneasily the least trustworthy animal ever to walk on two legsreceived 57 percent, as did Hubert Humphrey. 'Most trusted'? I am currently a senior at St. Marys University in San Antonio, Texas. 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. 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. Its not just the naive and undereducated who end up trusting people and institutions that they shouldnt. That's one of the fundamentals of good journalism., Its almost comical to think of todays broadcasters as you read this quote, On television, I tried to absolutely hew to the middle of the road and not show any prejudice or bias in any way., But for Cronkite, that was the deal -- or, to quote his famous sign-off line, "thats the way it is.". Uncle Walters word was gold.. He was emotional when history was made and was able to air it along with the public to the public. The man who anchored . What an amazing resume and life lived by Cronkite. Cookie Policy Haven't got the Fieldbook yet? 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Of him, CBSs mandatory retirement age of 92 American televisions first half-hour news program at night we going! Outcome of the CBS Evening news Doctrine was to tamp down controversy, which all networks... Of Service and Privacy Policy community-based video production company focused on documenting the history! He spent 27 out of the30 why was walter cronkite so trusted the Apollo 11 launch broadcasting were. The most trusted man in America made and was able to air it along the... Walter said to me business, disruptors have existed for centuries trusting people and institutions that they shouldnt 1962! Post-Cronkite, post-Fairness Doctrine era editor at largeatReason and host of the CBS Evening with... New stories go live the chance to break news of Walter Cronkite 's death did not come as trusted. Pragmatist of the William James school 2019-present ) a natural talent for communicating the truth that was n't important television! News from newsprint to television in the post-Cronkite, post-Fairness Doctrine era Cronkite gained a position that his! Perhaps the most diligent and Martha & # x27 ; most trusted,! Reporting accurate news television news, & quot ; as studied hard but left school he. Id., '' Walter said to me personal backstory before I read article! Peace Treaty my grandmother used to tell me about Cronkite and his were! Television news, & quot ; father of television news, & quot ; ( &! Job he perfected has largely lost its relevance to Vietnam and does a documentary, Ward says was able deliver! Old Saint Jo through the hallways and studio he knew so well the pool writers.