2.7 Walter Cronkite

Walter Cronkite, the iconic CBS News anchor, shaped broadcast journalism in the mid-20th century. His career trajectory mirrored the evolution of TV news, from its infancy to becoming a dominant force in American media.

Cronkite's reputation for integrity and objectivity earned him the title "most trusted man in America." His coverage of major events, from the Kennedy assassination to the moon landing, set standards for television news that continue to influence journalism today.

Early life and career

• Walter Cronkite's background shaped his approach to journalism and laid the foundation for his future success in broadcasting
• His early experiences instilled values of integrity and objectivity that became hallmarks of his reporting style
• Cronkite's career trajectory exemplifies the evolution of broadcast journalism in the mid-20th century

Childhood and education

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• Born on November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri
• Moved to Houston, Texas as a child where he developed an interest in journalism
• Attended the University of Texas at Austin, studying political science and journalism
• Worked for the student newspaper The Daily Texan, honing his writing and reporting skills
• Left college before graduating to pursue a career in journalism (1935)

Early broadcasting experience

• Began career as a newspaper reporter and radio announcer in Oklahoma City
• Joined United Press in 1937, covering various beats including sports and politics
• Transitioned to radio broadcasting, reporting for Midwest stations
• Gained experience in delivering news concisely and clearly, skills that would prove valuable in television
• Covered local and regional stories, developing a keen sense for newsworthy events

World War II reporting

• Became a war correspondent for United Press in 1942
• Covered major World War II events, including:
  • The North African campaign
  • The D-Day invasion of Normandy
• Flew on bombing missions over Germany, providing firsthand accounts of aerial warfare
• Reported from the Nuremberg trials, gaining insight into the aftermath of the war
• Developed a reputation for accurate and timely reporting under challenging conditions

Rise to prominence

• Cronkite's ascent in the world of broadcast journalism coincided with the growing influence of television news
• His career at CBS News marked a significant shift in how Americans consumed and perceived news
• Cronkite's rise to prominence reflected the increasing importance of television as a medium for information dissemination

CBS Evening News anchor

• Joined CBS News in 1950 as a correspondent and narrator for various programs
• Hosted the CBS morning show and political convention coverage in the 1950s
• Became anchor of the CBS Evening News in 1962, initially as a 15-minute broadcast
• Expanded the program to 30 minutes in 1963, becoming the first half-hour nightly news broadcast
• Transformed the role of news anchor from a mere reader to a journalist who shaped the news agenda

Most trusted man in America

• Earned the moniker "the most trusted man in America" through consistent, reliable reporting
• Polls consistently ranked Cronkite as the most trusted public figure in the United States
• Developed a reputation for integrity and impartiality in his news delivery
• Became a stabilizing presence during times of national crisis and uncertainty
• Viewed by many Americans as a voice of reason and a source of comfort during turbulent times

Iconic catchphrase

• Concluded each broadcast with the phrase "And that's the way it is," followed by the date
• Catchphrase became synonymous with Cronkite's commitment to factual reporting
• Reinforced the idea that Cronkite was providing a complete and accurate picture of the day's events
• Helped establish a sense of consistency and reliability for viewers
• Phrase entered popular culture, often parodied and referenced in other media

Journalistic style

• Cronkite's approach to journalism set the standard for broadcast news in the United States
• His style emphasized factual reporting and clear communication, influencing generations of journalists
• Cronkite's journalistic philosophy centered on informing the public without sensationalism or bias

Objectivity and impartiality

• Strived to present news without personal bias or political slant
• Emphasized fact-based reporting over opinion or speculation
• Maintained a neutral tone when covering controversial topics
• Sought to present multiple perspectives on complex issues
• Earned respect from across the political spectrum for his balanced approach

Clear and concise delivery

• Spoke in a measured, easily understood manner
• Used simple language to explain complex topics
• Avoided jargon and technical terms when possible
• Structured news stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end
• Prioritized information delivery over personal style or flair

Authoritative presence

• Projected confidence and composure on camera
• Developed a distinctive, reassuring voice that became instantly recognizable
• Maintained a serious demeanor that lent gravity to his reports
• Commanded respect through his knowledge and experience
• Established credibility through consistent, accurate reporting over time

Notable coverage

• Cronkite's reporting on major events shaped public understanding and opinion
• His coverage of historic moments often became iconic in its own right
• Cronkite's ability to contextualize complex events for viewers set him apart from other journalists

Kennedy assassination

• Broke the news of President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963
• Provided continuous coverage for four days, guiding the nation through the tragedy
• Famously removed his glasses and struggled to maintain composure while announcing Kennedy's death
• Covered the funeral procession and subsequent events with sensitivity and depth
• Set a standard for how television news should handle national tragedies

Vietnam War

• Initially supported the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, reflecting the prevailing view
• Traveled to Vietnam in 1968 to report on the Tet Offensive
• Delivered a pivotal editorial on February 27, 1968, questioning the war's winability
• Stated that the war had reached a stalemate and negotiation was the only way out
• President Lyndon B. Johnson reportedly said, "If I've lost Cronkite, I've lost Middle America"

Watergate scandal

• Provided extensive coverage of the Watergate break-in and subsequent investigations
• Dedicated significant airtime to explaining the complex scandal to viewers
• Maintained a focus on facts and evidence as the story unfolded
• Covered the Senate Watergate hearings, bringing the proceedings into American homes
• Reported on President Nixon's resignation, marking the culmination of the scandal

Space program

• Enthusiastically covered the U.S. space program from its inception
• Anchored CBS coverage of all NASA missions, including Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs
• Provided commentary for the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969
• Spent 27 hours on air during the moon landing, capturing the excitement of the moment
• Helped viewers understand the technical aspects and significance of space exploration

Impact on journalism

• Cronkite's career had a profound and lasting impact on the field of journalism
• His approach to news reporting influenced the development of broadcast journalism standards
• Cronkite's legacy continues to shape discussions about the role of media in society

Television news standards

• Established expectations for accuracy and thoroughness in television reporting
• Emphasized the importance of on-the-ground reporting and firsthand accounts
• Promoted the use of expert analysis to provide context for complex stories
• Demonstrated the power of visual storytelling in television news
• Set a high bar for professionalism and ethical conduct in broadcast journalism

Public trust in media

• Helped build public confidence in television as a reliable source of news
• Personified the idea of the journalist as a trustworthy public servant
• Contributed to the perception of news anchors as authoritative figures
• Demonstrated the importance of maintaining credibility through consistent, factual reporting
• Set expectations for transparency and accountability in news organizations

Influence on political discourse

• Shaped public opinion on major issues through his reporting and occasional editorials
• Demonstrated the power of television news to influence political outcomes
• Established the practice of in-depth coverage of political conventions and elections
• Helped elevate television as a primary medium for political communication
• Influenced how politicians engaged with the media and the public

Legacy and honors

• Cronkite's contributions to journalism have been widely recognized and celebrated
• His career serves as a benchmark for excellence in broadcast journalism
• Cronkite's influence extends beyond his active years in the industry

Awards and recognition

• Received numerous Emmy Awards for his work in television news
• Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Jimmy Carter in 1981
• Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1985
• Received the Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting
• Honored with the creation of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University

Retirement and later years

• Retired from CBS Evening News in 1981, succeeded by Dan Rather
• Continued to make occasional television appearances and documentaries
• Wrote books on his experiences and views on journalism
• Advocated for journalistic integrity and press freedom
• Remained a respected voice on issues of media and politics until his death in 2009

Lasting influence on journalism

• Inspired generations of journalists to pursue careers in broadcast news
• Set a standard for journalistic ethics that continues to be referenced
• Influenced the structure and format of television news programs
• Demonstrated the potential for television to serve as a unifying national platform
• Continues to be cited as an example of journalistic excellence and integrity

Criticism and controversies

• Despite his reputation for objectivity, Cronkite faced some criticism during his career
• Debates about his approach to journalism reflect broader discussions about media ethics
• Cronkite's occasional departures from strict objectivity sparked conversations about the role of journalists

Accusations of bias

• Some conservatives accused Cronkite of having a liberal bias in his reporting
• Critics pointed to his editorial on the Vietnam War as evidence of political leanings
• Faced scrutiny for his coverage of the Watergate scandal and its impact on the Nixon presidency
• Defended his approach as fact-based reporting rather than partisan bias
• Debates about Cronkite's objectivity reflect broader discussions about media impartiality

Departure from strict objectivity

• Occasionally offered personal opinions on major issues, most notably on Vietnam
• Defended these rare editorials as necessary for informing the public on crucial matters
• Faced criticism for blurring the line between reporting and commentary
• Argued that journalists had a responsibility to provide context and analysis
• His approach influenced debates about the role of journalists in shaping public opinion

Relationship with politicians

• Maintained professional relationships with political figures while covering them
• Faced questions about the potential influence of these relationships on his reporting
• Criticized for attending social events with politicians and government officials
• Defended his ability to separate personal interactions from professional duties
• His experiences highlighted the challenges of maintaining journalistic independence

Cronkite vs modern news anchors

• The role of news anchors has evolved significantly since Cronkite's era
• Comparisons between Cronkite and modern anchors reflect broader changes in media and society
• Discussions about Cronkite's legacy often center on how journalism has changed since his time

Changing media landscape

• Shift from three major networks to numerous cable news channels and online sources
• Increased competition has led to more opinion-based programming and niche audiences
• 24-hour news cycle has changed the pace and depth of news coverage
• Social media has altered how news is distributed and consumed
• Modern anchors must navigate a more fragmented and fast-paced media environment

Shift in public perception

• Decline in overall trust in media institutions since Cronkite's era
• Modern anchors face greater scrutiny and skepticism from audiences
• Increased polarization has led to perceptions of media bias along political lines
• Personalization of news delivery has changed the relationship between anchors and viewers
• Cronkite's level of universal trust and authority is rarely achieved by modern anchors

Evolution of journalistic practices

• Increased emphasis on real-time reporting and breaking news
• Greater integration of technology and data in news presentation
• Shift towards more interactive and participatory forms of journalism
• Blurring of lines between news and entertainment in some formats
• Debates about the balance between objectivity and analysis in modern news coverage