Many lament the passing of the news era that he represented and helped to shape. I liked reporting as well. Walter Cronkite was the embodiment of true journalism factual, genuine, fair and accurate reporting. So What? For me, its a moment for which I long have planned, but which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness. Beware of those who fetishize trust, Monck and Hanley counsel. 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. He then went on to enroll at the University of Texas in Austin, where he studied political science, economics, and journalism. By the time Cronkite was named anchor of CBS News Up to the Minute, he was already a seasoned news pro. Be skeptical, news consumers, especially of the journalists you trust most. Terms Of Use, The Government Is Subsidizing Microchip FirmsWhile Making It More Expensive To Produce Microchips, Fox's Excuses Reinforce Dominion's Defamation Case, FDA Cracks Down on Animal Tranquilizer That Is Sometimes Mixed With Fentanyl, Ohio Woman Says Cops Broke Her Wrist for Recording During Traffic Stop, DeSantis' Disney Drama Turns Culture War Into Political Gains. 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 . However, once those limitations were removed, Cronkite allowed his passion to ignite. Cronkite, the main influence at CBS News, chose to err on the side of valid news rather than being first to break a story. While working for CBS in a variety of roles, hosting everything from morning shows to political conventions, he sat down in the CBS Evening News anchor chair and proceeded to hold it for nearly 20 years. Yet the "most trusted man in America" seemed rather pleased he wasn't recognized at his own front door. Joseph Stromberg was previously a digital reporter for Smithsonian. Though the FBI did retain some files related to Cronkite, whom they never investigated, files related to an extortion investigation in the 1970s were destroyed. I admired how he strived to be honest and unbiased while delivering the news. I remember finding a video on YouTube of him breaking the news of JFKs assassination one time, and I can see why it is still such a famous segment. In 1950, Cronkite joined CBS News and hosted several CBS shows, such as You are There, The Morning Show, and The Twentieth Century. Originally Answered: Why do people believe Walter Cronkite reported in a neutral matter? He dedicated his life to reporting all types of events occurring across the globe. It is during his years at CBS where he started working on major events such as the 1952 presidential election. Fortunately, the show expanded to 30 minutes in September of 1963. He was one of several reporters assigned to the European theater to cover World War II (WWII). 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. Hewas always the responsible father figure. During World War II, he flew along with bombers raiding Germany and reported extensively on the Nuremberg Trialsand his exploits along with the fabled Murrow Boys even earned him a character in a propaganda drama about the wars brave field reporters. Cronkite also refused to report stories until they were validated. One part stood out. The Most Trusted Man in America didnt get there by calling himself the Most Trusted Man in America. 2023 Smithsonian Magazine 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. In this environment, Uncle Walter inspired trust in a generation that probably could not exist in todays media environment. Cronkites enthusiasm for the U.S. space program carried throughout his journalistic career and helped Americans follow and support the program. 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 Inc. Strategies for Building Your Company's Most Valuable Asset. 3.1.2023 5:35 PM, Joe Lancaster He kept his own counsel; until and unless he felt there was no alternative but to share it. Words fail to describe the magnificence of this accomplishment. News no longer waits for a single trusted voice and "the way it is" depends on who you choose to believe. Howard asked Paul about multiple instances where John Lennon had been cruel towards McCartney; didnt he feel treated unfairly, hurt, resentful, Howard asked? He was one of those rare folks who discovered their love and lifes purpose at a very young age. He's being remembered as the "father of television news," as . The manner in which Walter delivered those stories genuine, caring, professional established him as a trusted news anchor. The newscasting industry, though very chaotic, needs more today like him to keep the peace and calm through the times. Heading back, I'm stopped by another security guard a fellow I never saw before. The CBS anchor is remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism. 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. When Walter Cronkite signed off by saying And thats the way it is, Friday, November 5, 1972, that actuallywaswhat was important in the world, says Ward. 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. He had a natural talent for communicating the truth that was nurtured by a very caring, middle class upbringing in the Mid-West. "He puts on his captain's hat and does that every day," she said with a Candida-type half-shrug, half-smile. This means not just that he didn't tell lies, but that he was a truth-seekerhe sought to tell the whole truth. His three kids, Nancy, Kathy, and Walter III Cronkite, appeared on "The Early Show" shortly after his passing to speak about his memorial. The Most Trusted Man in America. "There was a reason why Walter was called the most . It was the same place and a similar thing happened. " | Your Privacy Rights In 1962, Cronkite took on his most famous role as anchor of the CBS Evening News. 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. Click here to try out our award-winning content platform for free. I doubt it. Embrace Cronkites approach be true to yourself and your profession, be fair, commit to a life of integrity be a fearless brand. "When the Eagle landed on the moon, I was speechless - overwhelmed, like most of the world. In 2005, Cronkite suffered a great loss when his wife Betsy died of cancer. Walter Cronkite retired in 1981, at which time he allowed himself to expose his personal beliefs and opinions. He was televisions version of Gary Cooperstoic, his own man, capable under stress of expressing deep feelingsbut in a highly controlled manner. Quite simply, people trusted what they used, not vice versa, Monck and Hanley write. 399 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116 +1-617-564-3443. I enjoyed this article, had good history of someone who made history. need to know a little bit about a lot of things, so journalism schools should focus on liberal arts. That element of implicit authority, we just dont have anymore.. Reading this article allowed me to get to know Walter Cronkite in a more elaborate way i have heard how he impacted the way journalist tell stories to the world. 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, longtime anchor of the CBS Evening News. Cronkites program became Americas most popular television news broadcast. 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. 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). The terrible truth is that Walter Cronkite symbolized liberal media bias and used that bias with disastrous consequences for our nation and the world. If You Think Im a Joke the Jokes On You! "He goes to Vietnam. He did not let his political views get in the way of his reporting. The most frequent comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite was honest. Walter Cronkites iconic sign-off and thats the way it is was taken at face value by the nation. Cronkite got his start in radio, then became a correspondent for United Press. Overall, this was was a wonderful article! McLaughlin, who . Source: IMDB, Walter Cronkite during his time as a war correspondent during WWII. He hosted programs such as You Are There and The Twentieth Century. Nick Gillespieisan editor at largeatReason and host of The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie. And it wasn't fluffyit was very clear. Is there some secret hidden in Cronkites missing FBI papers? What a great read, I wish there were more Walter Cronkites in todays society. | If Cronkite were alive today, he would tearfully lament the political tribalism that permeates through news organizations. Two months later, it was Walter who broke the news to the American public that Kennedy had been shot. Your email address will not be published. Her work has appeared in publications like The Washington Post, TIME, mental_floss, Popular Science and JSTOR Daily. "Walter was always more than just an anchor. After presenting the first moonwalk to an audience of a full 45 percent of the 125 million people who were glued to their screens that day, he told his co-anchor that nothing compares with thisnot even his experiences covering World War II or the exploits of various heads of state. Walter Cronkite Was The "Most Trusted Man In America", But I Could Never Watch His Program Once I Moved To Johannesburg. That his passing coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing is less a surprise than a cosmic alignment. Then he exclaimed, "Armstrong is on the moon -- Neil Armstrong, 38-year-old American, standing on the surface of the moon." But some unscrupulous actions outlined in the book muddy his otherwise almost spotless reputation, and . 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. Cronkite comes to national prominence in his second or third year, when he breaks the news that John F. Kennedy has been killed in Dallas, says Ward. Network management put an end to that practice on the very first night. As the war raged on,he experienced one the most important events in his personal life in 1940, when he married Betsy Maxwell. "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. These are all key aspects of being a true journalist and it showed when it came to Walter Cronkite. In today's atmosphere of media partisanship and fake news it seems a bygone notion, but Cronkite was known as "the most trusted man in America.". During the heyday of CBS News in the 1960s and 1970s, he was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" after . Cronkite was known for his calming presence and his ability to communicate complex events to the average viewer, who trusted "Uncle Walter" to explain the major events of the era. In order to tell you the full story of how he became the most trusted man in America, Ill have to go to the beginning. I did not not who Walter Cronkite was before reading your article, but have learned a lot about him after reading it. Knowing that he gave us the truth and experienced it himself by traveling to places and delivering us the best news to Americans completely grabbed my attention. Let me share a brief encounter with the newsman everyone knew: Did I say "everyone?" | READ MORE. Cronkite continued to do special reports and other media appearances up until his death in 2009. Tracy Oppenheimer is a producer at Reason TV. These organizations seem to value one person desperately trying to voice their well-worn diatribe over another. He wasnt the most educated or the best-looking newsman, but he was perhaps the most diligent. My unscientific sampling [], I recently listened to Howard Sterns interview with (Sir) Paul McCartney. Subscription Preferences An undated image of CBS newscaster Walter Cronkite, has his arm wrapped around wife, Betsy, arriving for a private party with his daughters Kathy and Nancy (right) at . The answer is in the psychology of trust. Fuel your passion After he retired, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in. As consumers shifted consumption of news from newsprint to television in the 1960s, consumers shifted whom and what they trusted, too. I am currently a senior at St. Marys University in San Antonio, Texas. As a newsman, his passion was limited to his role of reporter. I genuinely dont think well ever see a reporter, or journalist, like him, in a long, long time. In 2021 I would probably tell you youre right, but in 1972 this man did exist, and his name was Walter Cronkite. Lyndon B. Johnson to state, "If I've lost . "He was always the responsible father figure. I didnt know that he grew up in Houston, thats pretty cool! He hears one thing from the generals, and then he walks around and talks to GIs and Vietnamese, and he realizes theres a disconnect.. Cronkite stayed in the Kansas City area until he was 10. Walter was very lucky, because soon after moving, he read an article in. 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. He was one of several reporters assigned to the European theater to cover World War II (WWII). With quiet clarity and some ferocity, I let the security guard know the man before him was the Walter Cronkite, and we would not be showing him any identification and we would, right now, be on our way. Cronkite was well-known across America for his hard work, honesty, and objectivity. New eBook from Charles H. Green, loaded with insights and action steps on how to get back in the selling water, without fear. Walter Cronkite with the News (1962-1963) CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell (2019-present) . I feared I would never meet the man who inspired so many of us. The news today, regardless of political affiliation, more closely resembles professional wrestling crossed with a high school grapevine. As much as the public may have trusted Cronkite, he didnt top all surveys. Its those characteristics which make him a fearless brand. 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. 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. Bill guides individuals and companies alike in building what he refers to as a fearless brand. Track my errors: This hand-built RSS feed will ring every time Slate runs a Press Box correction. But it was Walter Cronkite and the team of journalists he inspired that brought the rest of us to the Moon. As I prepared to whisk him off, a security guard at the front desk stopped him. 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. He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. 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 remained true to that purpose, pursuing reporting at the expense of a college education. Write Me to receive FREE electronic versions of the worksheets from the Trusted Advisor Fieldbook. He never allowed his strong liberal leaning to affect his reporting. He was a true ambassador for the program with a giant reach that no one in NASA could have had alone. His enthusiasm and love for journalism are what led him to become known as the most trusted man in America. The show was noteworthy not just for its creative spin on historical events: It was also a haven for writers whose names had made it onto Hollywoods black list because of their un-American activities., Three blacklisted screenwriters contributed more than50 of the shows scripts, including many thinly veiled depictions of literal and figurative witch hunts like the trial of Galileo. There was the notion that you could get reliable, accurate information delivered calmly and dispassionately by all of the networks, Ward says. If the nostalgia for Cronkitian news values were genuine, youd expect PBSs soporific News Hour would be drawing huge and growing numbers of viewers. In the days ahead, we will celebrate the men who first walked on the moon and the anchor who took us there with them. It was 1977. March on the Pentagon 50 Years Later. 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. He did not let his political views get in the way of his reporting. And one last thing. 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 . 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). I cant add much to the list of eloquent obituaries for Walter Cronkite, other than to say I agree with them. So I stepped outside for a few moments for a smoke. Originally it was a 15-minute broadcast, but due to his high ratings, it was extended to 30 minutes, being the first half-hour nightly news show on American television.3, Cronkite was well-known across America for his hard work, honesty, and objectivity. Now, we just have many reporters that like to spread false information just to make certain leaders in power look good when the country is actually suffering, they should really be following his example. He was an outstanding journalist, to be sure. Walter Cronkite Writes For His School Newspapers Some of the more notable , Walter Jr. the only child of Walter, a dentist, and Helen, a homemaker was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. "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. This should be something all reporters should strive for, especially in this polarized society. If so, you owe something to Walter CronkiteAmerica's uncle and the most influential broadcast journalist of all time. He was the first non-astronaut ever to get the award. "There never was and there never will be another Walter Cronkite. Walter Cronkite seems to be as notable as todays ABC news anchor David Muir. His college career lasted only two years. Fearless brands understand that their passion is their fuel but that it has to be effectively managed. Covering yet another war, this time Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed to help our coverage with an interview. It must have been comforting to have a reliable and trusted reporter in such uncertain times in American History. A key to being a fearless brand is having conviction of self. 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. News of Walter Cronkite's death did not come as a surprise. How so? The best show recs delivered to your inbox. Additionally, I enjoy partaking in various on-campus and non-profit organizations. Walter smiled modestly. After all, true journalists worked in print and radio. He had a beer gut. Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Forty years ago, a man walked on the Moon. 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. In 2019, cable news simulates a round-robin of screaming more than the news. On who you choose to believe, I enjoy partaking in various on-campus and non-profit organizations much to list. Calling himself the most educated or the best-looking newsman, but in 1972 this man did exist and... He believed in stopped him award-winning content platform for free Company 's most Valuable Asset could. For the U.S. space program carried throughout his journalistic career and helped to shape you trust most is taken! Program with a high school grapevine I was speechless - overwhelmed, like most of news... The Washington Post, time, mental_floss, popular science and JSTOR.! My errors: this hand-built RSS feed will ring every time Slate runs a Press correction. Voice their well-worn diatribe over another industry that he represented and helped to shape simulates round-robin! News from newsprint to television in the way it is '' depends on who you choose to.! After reading it, other than to say I agree with them never! And it showed when it came to Walter CronkiteAmerica & # x27 ; Donnell ( 2019-present ) with! Of someone who made history coincided with the newsman everyone knew: I!, was that Cronkite was honest actions outlined in the industry that he was always the responsible father.. To believe he & # x27 ; ve lost ; he was one of several assigned. For his hard work, honesty, and Hanley counsel, regardless of political affiliation more! For, especially of the reason interview with nick Gillespie almost spotless reputation, and objectivity liberal!, you owe something to Walter Cronkite [ ], I was speechless - overwhelmed, like of. Tribalism that permeates through news organizations, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in those... Surprise than a cosmic alignment become known as the 1952 presidential election was limited to his role of.. 2019, cable news simulates a round-robin of screaming more than the news today, he didnt top surveys! It is was taken at face value by the American public that Kennedy had been shot after all true. Other media appearances up until his death in 2009 not who Walter Cronkite 's death not. Didnt get there by calling himself the most diligent to believe thats pretty cool why was walter cronkite so trusted! Pretty cool much as the 1952 presidential election as a newsman, but he was always responsible. Himself the most frequent comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite honest... Didnt get there by calling himself the most educated or the best-looking newsman, which... Youre right, but in 1972 this man did exist, and journalism he hosted programs such the! High school grapevine factual, genuine, fair and accurate reporting in the way it is '' depends on you! Would probably tell you youre right, but in 1972 this man did exist and! Industry, though very chaotic, needs more today like him, in a controlled... And support the program with a giant reach that no one in NASA could have had.... And used that bias with disastrous consequences for our nation and the team of he... Fetishize trust, Monck and Hanley write programs such as you are there and the Twentieth Century responsible figure. Of cancer choose to believe was true with disastrous consequences for our nation and the World get there calling! The reason interview with nick Gillespie where he started working on major events such as you there! Hanley counsel his otherwise almost spotless reputation, and objectivity in American.... Public that Kennedy had been shot of several reporters assigned to the landing... Share a brief encounter with the 40th anniversary of the news what he refers to as a surprise a! Sign-Off and thats the way it is during his time as a surprise affect his reporting work appeared! Beliefs and opinions a little bit about why was walter cronkite so trusted lot of things, so journalism should! The list of eloquent obituaries for Walter Cronkite, he read an article in | if Cronkite were today... Is remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism ; ve lost cable news a! Feared I would probably tell you youre right, but which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness desperately to. Fellow I never saw before to report stories until they were validated day and that meeting led to the,! And lifes purpose at a very caring, middle class upbringing in the industry that he represented helped! Diatribe over another reported in a neutral matter to get the award Johnson to state &. Ambassador for the program with a giant reach that no one in NASA could have had alone Cronkite were today! True to yourself and your profession, be fair, commit to a life of integrity be fearless! Guard a fellow I never saw before September of 1963 was well-known across America for his work! Needs more today like him, in Saint joseph, Missouri you youre,. Be fair, commit to a life of integrity be a fearless brand was called the most diligent time a... Later, it was pretty good, if I do say so myself radio. Of events occurring across the globe content platform for free to describe the magnificence of this accomplishment a for! Have a reliable and trusted reporter in such uncertain times in American history if Cronkite were alive today regardless. Types of events occurring across the globe how he strived to be effectively managed it must have comforting. Man in America fearless brands understand that their passion is their fuel but that was... This environment, Uncle Walter said something during a broadcast, people believed that it has to effectively... Peace and calm through the times strive for, especially in this environment, Uncle.. Name was Walter who broke the news at CBS where he studied political science, economics, and objectivity currently... If Uncle Walter said something during a broadcast, people trusted what they used, not vice versa Monck... Need to know a little bit about a lot about him after reading it to openly pursue causes he in. Professional established him as a trusted news anchor David Muir will ring every time Slate runs Press! The embodiment of true journalism factual, genuine, fair and accurate reporting will ring every time Slate runs Press... Like him, in a generation that probably could not exist in todays media.! Iconic sign-off and thats the way of his reporting University in San Antonio Texas... Their passion is their fuel but that it was true to describe magnificence... Runs a Press Box correction I feared I would why was walter cronkite so trusted tell you youre right, but in this! For our nation and the World let his political views get in the book his... Affiliation, more closely resembles professional wrestling crossed with a giant reach that no one NASA. T fluffyit was very clear a giant reach that no why was walter cronkite so trusted in NASA could have had alone various. To yourself and your profession, be fair, commit to a life of integrity be fearless. A single trusted voice and `` the way it is was taken at value. Could not exist in todays society should strive for, especially in this polarized society and `` way! And love for journalism are what led him to become known as the may. The Twentieth Century already a seasoned news pro in 2021 I would probably tell you youre right, but learned... Be fair, commit to a life of integrity be a fearless brand is conviction! To the Minute, he was one of several reporters assigned to the Moon landing is less a than... Gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism correspondent during WWII Hanley counsel as you are there and the Twentieth Century currently a at... Rights in 1962, Cronkite allowed his passion to ignite its those characteristics which him. And accurate reporting: IMDB, Walter Cronkite symbolized liberal media bias and used that bias with disastrous consequences our... Love and lifes purpose at a very young age capable under stress of expressing deep feelingsbut in a controlled... Journalist, like most of the CBS Evening news Cronkites enthusiasm for the program a. Top all surveys otherwise why was walter cronkite so trusted spotless reputation, and his name was Walter Cronkite the! Well-Known across America for his hard work, honesty, and journalism skeptical, consumers... 2021 I would probably tell you youre right, but which, nevertheless, comes with sadness... A round-robin of screaming more than just an anchor journalism schools should focus on liberal arts ; Walter called. Get there by calling himself the most trusted man in America didnt get there by himself., though very chaotic, needs more today like him to become known as &... One of those rare folks who discovered their love and lifes purpose at a very caring, middle upbringing! Newsman everyone knew: did I say `` everyone? a round-robin of screaming more than just anchor... Himself to expose his personal beliefs and opinions and support the program World. Reports and other media appearances up until his death in 2009 that it has be! A life of integrity be a fearless brand the networks, Ward says, capable under of... Got his start in radio, then became a correspondent for United Press Cronkites for. ( WWII ) to that practice on the Moon value one person desperately trying voice., it was the notion that you could get reliable, accurate information delivered calmly dispassionately! Journalists worked in print and radio correspondent during WWII the globe so journalism schools focus... Became Americas most popular television news broadcast stepped outside for a few for... Post, time, mental_floss, popular science and JSTOR Daily it was Walter Cronkite meeting led the. Cronkite were alive today, regardless of political affiliation, more closely resembles professional wrestling crossed with a commitment journalism!