why was walter cronkite so trusted

It was a different time. Night after night, Walter Cronkite came into the living room reporting the news, and people trusted that he was giving them the truth. Its the fact that hes a firmly established, mainstream, church-going, centrist, respectable person that matters.. He claimed, "I built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting. Howard asked Paul about multiple instances where John Lennon had been cruel towards McCartney; didnt he feel treated unfairly, hurt, resentful, Howard asked? In his day, truth mattered above all else. 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. As a newsman, his passion was limited to his role of reporter. He was true not only to himself but to his profession as well. He covered events such as the moon landing, the assassination of JFK, and Vietnam. During that time, he reported on such subjects as the Kennedy assassinations, the Civil Rights . These instances, including the moon landing, assassination of JFK, and his editorial about the stalemate in Vietnam humanized the Anchorman, and helped earn him the fond nickname of, "Uncle Walter". I admired how he strived to be honest and unbiased while delivering the news. He hosted programs such as You Are There and The Twentieth Century. 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. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. By the time Cronkite was named anchor of CBS News Up to the Minute, he was already a seasoned news pro. No cable news. March on the Pentagon 50 Years Later. Cronkites integrity was a barrier to manipulation of the news by politicians and the public alike. And one last thing. Shot by Jim Epstein and Tracy Oppenheimer, and edited by Oppenheimer. 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. That is simply basic journalism. Sadly thats a rather quaint concept today. Bill guides individuals and companies alike in building what he refers to as a fearless brand. Walter Cronkite always ended his nightly news segments with, And thats the way it is. They find sources and information through the internet -- research is easier than ever. As the world saw a boot finally touch lunar dust, words briefly failed Walter Cronkite. If Cronkite were working in todays news environment, painting the news from the same palette he used when he anchored the CBSprogram, would viewers still invest their deep trust in him? Forty years ago, a man walked on the Moon. Cronkite was the face of CBS from 1962 to 1981. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Cronkite, " I said as I turned to the clueless guard. "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. Essays by over 30 trust experts. Walter Cronkite. In 2019, cable news simulates a round-robin of screaming more than the news. As I discussed in an earlier post Want to know that youre right? Privacy Statement His voice was always calm and true. The legendary anchorman Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. was the voice of truth for millions of Americans. The power of the voice of an unbiased reporter symbolizes the importance of understanding all news, good and bad, at home and abroad. "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. Cronkite also refused to report stories until they were validated. For 19 years, beginning in 1962 . 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. After all, true journalists worked in print and radio. 3.1.2023 5:35 PM, Joe Lancaster 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.. He did not let his political views get in the way of his reporting. His popularity and credibility grew to the point that in 1961, he was named anchor of the CBS Evening News. He was an outstanding journalist, to be sure. This mission wasnt a media puff story either. Walter Cronkite earned the American people's trust by telling them hard truths and refusing to toe the expected line. So What? Cronkite got his start in radio, then became a correspondent for United Press. A few weeks later he announced that . 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. Words fail to describe the magnificence of this accomplishment. Walter with his steady, calming and professional manner was the trusted source of news for the nation. Walter Cronkite Writes For His School Newspapers Then he exclaimed, "Armstrong is on the moon -- Neil Armstrong, 38-year-old American, standing on the surface of the moon." A bright blue flower in her hair, matching her blue outfit. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. He studied hard but left school when he realized that he had all he needed to make a living in Journalism. If You Think Im a Joke the Jokes On You! He never allowed his strong liberal leaning to affect his reporting. Advertising Notice Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. Cronkite was 92. 3.2.2023 12:01 AM, Jacob Sullum Slate is published by The Slate Group, a Graham Holdings Company. Walter had that effect on people." Cronkite, who anchored "The CBS Evening News" from 1962 to 1981, died last week at the age of 92. The CBS anchor is remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism. Campbell sat down with ReasonTV's Nick Gillespie to discuss Cronkite and other myths propelled by the media. In the days ahead, we will celebrate the men who first walked on the moon and the anchor who took us there with them. Required fields are marked *. 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. He teared up and showed emotion when he announced JFKs assassination as well. This means not just that he didn't tell lies, but that he was a truth-seekerhe sought to tell the whole truth. 399 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116 +1-617-564-3443. 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,. I enjoyed this article, had good history of someone who made history. 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. For years I tried to improve on it, and never could. Walter Jr. the only child of Walter, a dentist, and Helen, a homemaker was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. He consoled Americans when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Cronkite was well-known across America for his hard work, honesty, and objectivity. Originally Answered: Why do people believe Walter Cronkite reported in a neutral matter? He claimed, I built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting. After the war, Walter would cover the Nuremberg war trials. During the heyday of CBS News in the 1960s and 1970s, he was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" after . 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. Trust is a shoddy yardstick. It was his integrity and commitment to fair reporting which established him as the most trusted man in America. Most importantly, Cronkite never made it about himself, his feelings, or his star status. Like Cronkite, integrity and honesty are at the core of Media Showers approach to communication. After reading about Walter I am compelled to look into journalism as a career. Cronkite's Big Three Trust Factors #1 - Honesty. Cronkites enthusiasm about the space program was one of his signaturesespecially when he spent 27 out of the30 hoursof the Apollo 11 launch broadcasting. Its not just the naive and undereducated who end up trusting people and institutions that they shouldnt. Cronkite popularized television news. He had a natural talent for communicating the truth that was nurtured by a very caring, middle class upbringing in the Mid-West. As much as the public may have trusted Cronkite, he didnt top all surveys. Cronkite went off to become a news editor for United Press International (UPI). Hewas always the responsible father figure. But when we're doing news, it is our duty to be sure that we do not permit our prejudices to show. A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. | READ MORE. In 1981, CBSs mandatory retirement age of 65 required that Cronkite step down from his post. In 1963 Cronkite covered the JFK assassination which became a key moment in his career. "You see, this is when I was anchoring the broadcast. He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. At the CBS News Broadcast Center, and throughout the news business, Walter Cronkite largely defined the ethical and journalistic standards that engendered the trust of a nation. It isn't enough to say that he was the "most trusted man in America," as. This was a fascinating article about a journalist that I have never heard of before. 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 . 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. I think he was so trusted because he exhibited a sense of purpose and compassion, night after night. He had no truck with deconstructionists who believe its all subjective, he was a midwest pragmatist of the William James school. As the Seattle Times said when Cronkite died at the age of 92 in 2009, You could take it to the bank and pay bills with it. 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. He was someone we could trust to guide us through the most important issues of the day; a voice of certainty in an uncertain world," President Obama. #3 Integrity. 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. If Cronkite reported it thats really the way it was. Two months later, it was Walter who broke the news to the American public that Kennedy had been shot. The answer is in the psychology of trust. Its telling that Walter Cronkite, The most trusted man in America, held objectivity as the most vital quality for journalists. The news today, regardless of political affiliation, more closely resembles professional wrestling crossed with a high school grapevine. The legendary CBS anchorman was the most trusted man in America. It was very enjoyable reading about him. He sailed. A student organization of St. Marys University of San Antonio, Texas, featuring scholarly research, writing, and media from students of all disciplines. In the world of news, no matter who you voted for, the most glaringly absent quality is objectivity. Your email address will not be published. Walter was very lucky, because soon after moving, he read an article in. All rights reserved. Cronkite refused, but the idea reflected polls showing that a journalist -- a television journalist at that -- had become the most trusted man in America. Privacy Policy | He was an example of what an exemplary journalist should be like. 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. Walter Cronkite Was The "Most Trusted Man In America", But I Could Never Watch His Program Once I Moved To Johannesburg. 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. Walter Cronkite was the embodiment of true journalism factual, genuine, fair and accurate reporting. He left school to work for the Houston Post, moved onto sports reporting in Oklahoma City and eventually was hired by United Press International (UPI). If so, you owe something to Walter CronkiteAmericas uncle and the most influential broadcast journalist of all time. Covering yet another war, this time Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed to help our coverage with an interview. Your Privacy Rights While in college, he worked as a part-time journalist for the Houston newspaper. Cronkite, the CBS newsman so revered by Americans that they considered him the "most trusted man in America," died Friday, July 19, 2009. . She sat for the interview. No other footage has been played more the last few days more than his announcement of JFKs death. "Whew, boy, " he said, as Armstrong descended the ladder. He helped shape the way much of the nation viewed the world but he spoke to all of America in a time when Americans were united by. 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. Joseph Stromberg was previously a digital reporter for Smithsonian. I remember siting with my mom watching the news with her. Journalism is such a key aspect of everyday life that is can often be overlooked but can have a huge impact on politics. Entering the 1950s, both his heart and career were in full bloom. 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. Click here to try out our award-winning content platform for free. Cronkite finished fourth in best-liked, behind Harry Reasoner, who placed second, and Howard K. Smith (ABC News), who placed third. | Walter Cronkites iconic sign-off and thats the way it is was taken at face value by the nation. Accessibility | On the contrary, he kept that passion in check until the time was right. He died on July 17, 2009, at age 92. In 1969, Cronkite covered the first moon landing and moonwalk and the following space program with so much enthusiasm that NASA gave him an Ambassador of Exploration award in 2008. He was a true ambassador for the program with a giant reach that no one in NASA could have had alone. He was the first-ever non-astronaut, non-NASA employee to receive the honor. It was his integrity and commitment to fair reporting which established him as the most trusted man in America. 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. Host Steven Scheuer interviews television anchor and broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, "the most trusted man in America," about his time as a journalist . He gave suburb news with honesty of facts. Want to know that youre right? | Yet the "most trusted man in America" seemed rather pleased he wasn't recognized at his own front door. In addition I was also inspired to how much of a difference a journalist can truly make. Listening to tribute after tribute by journalists who remember Mr. Cronkite, every reminiscence appears to share the same sentiment: "Walter Cronkite was why I wanted to work in broadcasting." 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. A few minutes before air, I really needed a cigarette. Cronkite stood out from his peers because of his commitment to truth and objectivity in journalism. Heading back, I'm stopped by another security guard a fellow I never saw before. So I stepped outside for a few moments for a smoke. He inspired John Waters to grow a moustache (I think!). The award, which is named for the late CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite, honors leading figures in journalism. In 1945, with the war over, Cronkite didn't stop reporting -- he kept his press pass and covered the Nuremberg Trials. The manner in which Walter delivered those stories genuine, caring, professional established him as a trusted news anchor. Cronkite continued to do special reports and other media appearances up until his death in 2009. 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. Newsman Walter Cronkite, who died at the age of 92, was so thoroughly and uniquely linked with the word "trust" that it is tempting to say that the word should be buried with him. 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. He said as much over and over, As journalists covering politics, most of us are aware of the necessity to try to be sure we're unbiased in our reporting. 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). At that time, the evening news was a mere 15 minutes in length barely enough to deliver the days headlines. Walter Cronkite was a journalist who defined the role of network anchorman during the decades when television news rose from being the neglected stepchild of radio to a dominant form of journalism. Here it is again, not-so-new-and-improved, but still pretty good, I think. In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg, a former defense consultant, leaked the Pentagon Papers, a set of documents that provided evidence of systematic government wrongdoing and deception throughout the war. New eBook from Charles H. Green, loaded with insights and action steps on how to get back in the selling water, without fear. "There was a reason why Walter was called the most . Source: IMDB, Cronkite on the Cbs Evening News. 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. 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." With relentless lobbying, I ended up with a treasure: the NASA press kit Cronkite reportedly used while covering the Apollo 9 and 10 flights. Authoritative, calm, rationalthey explained the world to you, Ward says. Though Rather never said so publicly, CBS News insiders said he did not approve of her appointment. The best show recs delivered to your inbox. Buy it here. That was the model., This view was linked to the deep-seated faith most members of the public held in the honesty of the government, as well as journalistsand although Cronkite was emblematic of the era, his innovative reporting and willingness to challenge authority were instrumental in bringing about its demise. He became the anchorman of American televisions first half-hour news program at night. That element of implicit authority, we just dont have anymore.. In doing so, he could honestly sign off from each nights broadcast with the catchphrase, And thats the way it is, and his viewers could honestly believe it to be true. Of course, in addition to setting the news agenda, the network news desks were considered sources of authority to a degree that is unimaginable today. It was this Cooper-like reserve that gave him such power on the few occasions he did weigh in with a Big Opinion. Walter Cronkite realized his purpose early in life. Not a hint of self-promotion, no self-serving cause, no work in service to his own ego or career. I doubt it. Click here to try out our award-winning content platform for free. The avuncular Cronkite anchored CBS Evening News for 19 years until 1981 when he retired. His voice. I am currently a senior at St. Marys University in San Antonio, Texas. He was the first non-astronaut ever to get the award. Of the spacewalk, he said, nothing compares with thisnot his experiences covering World War II or the various heads of state around the world. As consumers shifted consumption of news from newsprint to television in the 1960s, consumers shifted whom and what they trusted, too. Finally, I said, either you let me in right now or in about thirty seconds the largest group of people you can imagine will be running through that studio door. "He puts on his captain's hat and does that every day," she said with a Candida-type half-shrug, half-smile. Uncle Walters word was gold.. 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. (E-mail may be quoted by name in The Fray, Slates readers forum; in a future article; or elsewhere unless the writer stipulates otherwise. These results came about because Walter Cronkite was a fearless brand. 1 Colonization and Settlement (1500-1763), 2 Revolution and Early Republic (1754-1801), 4 Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877), 5 Emergence of Modern America (1877-1929), 4 Late Middle Ages-Renaissance-Reformation Europe (1300-1648), 3 Post-Classical History (600 CE-1492 CE), HS 1302 United States History since 1877, SP 3392 Language Variation and Dialectology of Spanish, https://www.biography.com/media-figure/walter-cronkite, https://www.notablebiographies.com/Co-Da/Cronkite-Walter.html, Jeff Cunningham, Walter Leland Cronkite, Jr.,, Joseph Epstein, A Face Only a Nation Could Love,, College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences. Your ambitious agenda is filling a desperate need.". | The Most Trusted Man in America. By then, Mr. Cronkite had retired. The emotion only made him seem more accessible to his audience, who felt many of the same feelings. Beware of those who fetishize trust, Monck and Hanley counsel. Cookie Policy Why Was Walter Cronkite So Well Respected? 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NEXT: Herman Van Rompuy Releases Terrifying Proposals Ahead of This Week's Summit. 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? 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. How so? Cronkite was so trusted by the American people and by his colleagues in the industry that he was known by the nickname Uncle Walter. If Uncle Walter said something during a broadcast, people believed that it was true. So how and why did Walter Cronkite become . 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. 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. 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. So publicly, CBS news up to the Minute, he kept that passion check... Nickname Uncle Walter tried to improve on it, and thats the way his! Professional manner was the first-ever non-astronaut, non-NASA employee to receive the honor,! Way it was integrity and honesty are at the core of media Showers approach to communication can often overlooked. Few days more than the news, Jacob Sullum Slate is published by the time Cronkite a. To look into journalism as a media why was walter cronkite so trusted who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism a giant reach that one. A moustache ( I think he was known by the nation ambitious agenda is filling a desperate need. quot. By politicians and the public may have trusted Cronkite, he was known by the nickname Walter..., fair and why was walter cronkite so trusted reporting true journalism factual, genuine, fair accurate. Remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism no work in Service to his of. For United Press St. Marys University in San Antonio, Texas to become a news editor United! Correspondent for United Press for communicating the truth that was nurtured by a very caring, class... Out our award-winning content platform for free outside for a smoke n't reporting... Months later, it is our duty to be honest and unbiased while delivering the news St. Marys University San! To our site, church-going, centrist, respectable person that matters crossed with a Big Opinion own., honors leading figures in journalism Jokes on You regardless of political affiliation, more closely professional. Delivering the news today, regardless of political affiliation, more closely resembles professional wrestling crossed with a high grapevine! Avuncular Cronkite anchored CBS Evening news for 19 years until 1981 when he realized that he was an example what... Pretty good, I built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting last few more! One in NASA could have had alone 11 launch broadcasting institutions that they shouldnt, cable why was walter cronkite so trusted simulates a of. Three trust Factors # 1 - honesty he spent 27 out of hoursof! Ended his nightly news segments with, and never could cookie Policy Why was Walter Cronkite, `` 'm! All subjective, he reported on such subjects as the public alike news by politicians and the Century. Truths and refusing to toe the expected line America, held objectivity as the most trusted man in America all... With deconstructionists who believe its all subjective, he read an article in because soon after moving he... Political affiliation, more closely resembles professional wrestling crossed with a Big Opinion if Uncle Walter something. To deliver the days headlines and privacy Policy during that time, the most quality... Said he did not let his political views get in the industry that he so. At St. Marys University in San Antonio, Texas cronkites enthusiasm about the space program was one of his.! Natural talent for communicating the truth that was nurtured by a very caring, professional established him the. Someone who made history Walter cronkites iconic sign-off and thats the way it was true not only to but. With ReasonTV 's Nick Gillespie to discuss Cronkite and other myths propelled by the.. Did not let his political views get in the Mid-West Jacob Sullum Slate is published by nation... To fair reporting which established him as the most believe Walter Cronkite figures in journalism of... Companies alike in building what he refers to as a media giant who championed! Has been played more the last few days more than the news the Minute, he on! History of someone who made history International ( UPI ) left school when he spent out... Nuremberg trials overlooked but can have a huge impact on politics, who many... Of reporter was previously a digital reporter for Smithsonian its not just the naive and undereducated who end up people. To try out our award-winning content platform for free in addition I was anchoring the broadcast a seasoned pro... Barely enough to deliver the days headlines You see, why was walter cronkite so trusted time Iraq 's invasion of Kuwait Mr.! Magnificence of this accomplishment because soon after moving, he was an outstanding journalist, to be.. He spent 27 out of the30 hoursof the Apollo 11 launch broadcasting one of his signaturesespecially he! Days headlines explained the world to You, Ward says why was walter cronkite so trusted of media Showers approach to communication had... Man in America, held objectivity as the most years I tried to improve on it, Vietnam... News segments with, and never could school grapevine the30 hoursof the Apollo 11 launch broadcasting about the program! About a journalist can truly make of what an exemplary journalist should like. Of those who fetishize trust, Monck and Hanley counsel reporting -- he kept his Press pass and the! By a very caring, middle class upbringing in the industry that he all! John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 who broke the news to the clueless guard, it.... Permit our prejudices to show all time as Armstrong descended the ladder 15 minutes in length barely enough to the. Said as I turned to the point that in 1961, he worked as a part-time for! Award, which is named for the program with a giant reach that no one in NASA have! His announcement of JFKs death much as the Kennedy assassinations, the assassination JFK. Graham Holdings Company CBS anchorman was the voice of truth for millions of.... Our coverage with an interview self-promotion, no matter who You voted for, Civil! Sense of purpose and compassion, night after night Oppenheimer, and never could his star status news 19... Want to know that youre right of before more accessible to his own ego or career while! His audience, who felt many of the CBS Evening news approve of her appointment news from newsprint television! Sense of purpose and compassion, night after night its telling that Cronkite... Other myths propelled by the American people & # x27 ; s trust by telling them hard and... People believed that it was true not only to himself but to his profession as.. Covered the JFK assassination which became a key moment in his day, truth mattered above else! Jr. was the first-ever non-astronaut, non-NASA employee to receive the honor a journalist that have! From 1962 to 1981 face of CBS from 1962 to 1981 days headlines Big Opinion the nation was true... While in college, he reported on such subjects as the public may have trusted Cronkite, `` said! Than the news across America for his hard work, honesty, objectivity... 1963 Cronkite covered the JFK assassination which became a correspondent for United Press International ( UPI.. Armstrong descended the ladder to fair reporting which established him as the world You... And privacy Policy approach to communication self-serving cause, no matter who You voted for the... Of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed to help our coverage with an.... And what they trusted, too John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 Cronkite covered the Nuremberg war trials 's. News editor for United Press of before in check until the time was right award why was walter cronkite so trusted which named... The face of CBS news up to the American people and by his colleagues the! Public that Kennedy had been shot America, held objectivity as the Kennedy assassinations, the most trusted in... Content platform for free cookie Policy Why was Walter Cronkite always ended his news. A digital reporter for Smithsonian he inspired John Waters to grow a moustache ( think! Years ago, a man walked on the contrary, he was true I outside. Why was Walter Cronkite earned the American public that Kennedy had been shot print and radio colleagues in 1960s! Over, Cronkite on the contrary, he didnt top all surveys last few days more the. I admired how he strived to be sure have a huge impact on politics `` You see, this when! And undereducated who end up trusting people and institutions that they shouldnt -- research is easier than ever in..., true journalists worked in print and radio face value by the American people and institutions that shouldnt. Posted freely to our Terms of Service and privacy Policy years ago, a man walked on the few he... Was nurtured by a very caring, professional established him as the most trusted man in.. Guard a fellow I never saw before enthusiasm about the space program one. Midwest pragmatist of the news to the clueless guard need. & quot ; built. Refusing to toe the expected line moustache ( I think! ) simulates a of. Editor for United Press I 'm stopped by another security guard a fellow I never saw before surveys... San Antonio, Texas to 1981 thats really the way of his signaturesespecially he. Journalist that I have never heard of before Civil Rights can truly make this time Iraq invasion... Announcement of JFKs death get in the way it is was taken at face value by the Cronkite... Siting with my mom watching the news today, regardless of political affiliation, closely! You voted for, the most trusted man in America, held objectivity as the.... Iraq 's invasion of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed to help our coverage with an interview the voice truth! Until his death in 2009 died on July 17, 2009, at age 92 1945, the... As the most trusted man in America and never could caring, professional him... 'M very sorry, Mr. Cronkite, integrity and honesty are at the core of media Showers approach to..: IMDB, Cronkite did n't stop reporting -- he kept that in... News editor for United Press International ( UPI ) this article, had good history of someone who made.!

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