why was walter cronkite so trusted
It was his integrity and commitment to fair reporting which established him as the most trusted man in America. I didnt know that he grew up in Houston, thats pretty cool! 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. 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. A few weeks later he announced that . As Americas most trusted broadcaster, Cronkite got the chance to break news of everything from John F. Kennedys assassination to the first moonwalk. "Ethics must be reintroduced to public service to restore people's faith in Government. 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. Walter Cronkite earned the American people's trust by telling them hard truths and refusing to toe the expected line. By then, Mr. Cronkite had retired. Id be selling myself and not the news.4 He uncovered unpredictable events that affected the minds of millions of Americans. Cronkite also witnessed D-day from above, covered Operation Market after landing by paraglider with paratroopers, and witnessed the Battle of the Bulge. 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. "Helping set the day's agenda and deciding what we used and editing it, that was a journalistic high point. One of the key reasons was his integrity. "I was remembering another time. His college career lasted only two years. One way around the Fairness Doctrine was to tamp down controversy, which all three networks often did. He was one of those rare folks who discovered their love and lifes purpose at a very young age. He had a natural talent for communicating the truth that was nurtured by a very caring, middle class upbringing in the Mid-West. He hosted programs such as You Are There and The Twentieth Century. 7. Cronkite is laughing now: "So, I tried to explain but the guard wouldn't budge. I genuinely dont think well ever see a reporter, or journalist, like him, in a long, long time. His only agenda was his professionalism, about which he was quite clear. Cronkite was a firm believer in doing what is fair. 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,. Very nice article! Cronkites story influenced then-President Johnson not to seek re-election, and it also started a trend toward greater truth-telling in the media at the time. 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. That move was right for Cronkite he was true to himself. Two months later, it was Walter who broke the news to the American public that Kennedy had been shot. He had no truck with deconstructionists who believe its all subjective, he was a midwest pragmatist of the William James school. Well never know everything that was in his FBI file. Raised in Houston, Texas, he decided to become a journalist after reading a magazine article about a foreign correspondent. The Web, which can make the cable news channels look positively Cronkitian, has only reshattered the shards. He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. Why was Walter Cronkite so well respected? Lyndon B. Johnson to state, "If I've lost . Your Privacy Rights 2023 Smithsonian Magazine One part stood out. July 2, 2012. Because he did. The emotion only made him seem more accessible to his audience, who felt many of the same feelings. The news business has both expanded and fragmented in the post-Cronkite, post-Fairness Doctrine era. He was one of several reporters assigned to the European theater to cover World War II (WWII). He accepted the second offer, however, and began working as the host of a show called You Are There. He was offered a job with CBS television, which he initially turned down. Have you watched the news lately? Walter Cronkite was the embodiment of true journalism factual, genuine, fair and accurate reporting. I left my jacket and wallet in the studio and we're going to be on the air in a few minutes. That may have been god-given; the rest of him was a man who strove to be good, and who showed the rest of us how. Terms of Use Walter Cronkite, often referred to as Uncle Walter, delivered hard news to a nation for two decades. No streaming internet video, no podcasts, not even a remote control. Working on the desk was.". As I prepared to whisk him off, a security guard at the front desk stopped him. The best show recs delivered to your inbox. However, Cronkite actually dropped out of college in his junior year in order to pursue various reporting jobs. Youd think a man as prestigious as Walter Cronkite might have finished a degree at Yale. After graduating, Walter enrolled at the University of Texas, where he would study political science, economics and journalism in pursuit of becoming a reporter his dream career. I did not not who Walter Cronkite was before reading your article, but have learned a lot about him after reading it. Privacy Statement Trust is an essential quality to have in any communicating experience, particularly newscasting. Walter Cronkites iconic sign-off and thats the way it is was taken at face value by the nation. How did Cronkite join this popularity list in the first place? Chung's last broadcast as co-anchor was on May 18, 1995. I dedicate my time to researching and raising awareness about epidemics, injustices, and other conflicts that occur in other countries. 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. For years I tried to improve on it, and never could. "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. He began to work on his high school newspaper as well as the yearbook. His voice. 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. If You Think Im a Joke the Jokes On You! 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. For more than a month, his close friends and family made it clear the former CBS News anchorman was gravely ill and would not recover. All rights reserved. Walter Cronkite realized his purpose early in life. Nice job! A new biography of Walter Cronkite reveals the less trustworthy side of the most trusted man in America. He teared up and showed emotion when he announced JFKs assassination as well. Thank you for this article, many of us likely know the name Walter Cronkite but Id be lying if Id said I knew the full breadth of his career and his contributions to American journalism. <p>'The most trusted man in America's fan mail was still . 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. His unassuming manner and sincerity were two reasons why people liked and trusted him so much. He went on to lecture, write books including his autobiography, as well as producing and hosting a variety of television features. "Everybody knew that Walter didn't get his suntan in the studio lights." Cronkite. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. 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. His global experiences, his positive public presence, his attitude towards reporting the news truthfully and objectively, and his grandfatherly demeanor, all make him the prime dream team candidate. His voice was always calm and true. 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. 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. I remember siting with my mom watching the news with her. It was a total disaster, and hes lucky to get out of there alive, Ward says. The definition of trust is even more contextual; there are dozens of meanings of trust, yet we nearly always recognize them when we see them. Host Steven Scheuer interviews television anchor and broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, "the most trusted man in America," about his time as a journalist . That element of implicit authority, we just dont have anymore.. Cronkite is standing in front of a Glenn Martin B-26 This picture was taken on Feb 9, 1944 at Earls Colne, England just before a mission that Mr. Cronkite flew with the 323rd BG 454th Squ, Cronkite Reporting On Vietnam On Location (blogs.uoregon.edu), Cronkite As Serious as he Took His Job (mehlvillemedia.com), A Tribute to One of The Greatest Newsmen Ever (jamcclure.com). 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. 'Most trusted'? 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. Nick Gillespieisan editor at largeatReason and host of The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie. He claimed, "I built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting. 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. Walter Cronkite retired in 1981, at which time he allowed himself to expose his personal beliefs and opinions. For somebody of my generation, he was the pillar of American broadcast journalism, says David Ward, a historian at the National Portrait Gallery. Walter Cronkite. Cronkite stayed in the Kansas City area until he was 10. . He sailed. Fearless brands understand that their passion is their fuel but that it has to be effectively managed. His enthusiasm and love for journalism are what led him to become known as the most trusted man in America. A student organization of St. Marys University of San Antonio, Texas, featuring scholarly research, writing, and media from students of all disciplines. 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. At that time, the evening news was a mere 15 minutes in length barely enough to deliver the days headlines. 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 . But in fact, thats not the case: As SmartNewsreported in 2012, a man named John Cameron Swayze was called anchor as early as 1948, two years before Cronkite even started in the television business. Headlines now titillate stories to fuel political dogmas, often voicing opinions that bear the semblance of truth but are far from it. Covering yet another war, this time Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed to help our coverage with an interview. 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. "President Lyndon Johnson certainly felt it. In celebration of what would have been his hundredth birthday, here are five things to know about the man who defined the news: Cronkites legendary status exists in part because of a persistent myth that he was the first person named anchor of a news program. Today, the job he perfected has largely lost its relevance. Yet, in the silence, with a huge grin his hand taking the horn-rimmed glasses off of eyes nearly filled with tears Walter Cronkite told us all we needed to know. Cookie Settings, the first-ever non-astronaut, non-NASA employee, the FBI did retain some files related to Cronkite, Dried Lake Reveals New Statue on Easter Island. The newscasting industry, though very chaotic, needs more today like him to keep the peace and calm through the times. And they'll be looking for me." In his day, truth mattered above all else. In the days ahead, we will celebrate the men who first walked on the moon and the anchor who took us there with them. 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. 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. These news performances are in stark contrast to Walter Cronkites definition of news. Cronkites enthusiasm about the space program was one of his signaturesespecially when he spent 27 out of the30 hoursof the Apollo 11 launch broadcasting. But when we're doing news, it is our duty to be sure that we do not permit our prejudices to show. If Cronkite were alive today, he would tearfully lament the political tribalism that permeates through news organizations. For 19 years, beginning in 1962 . 399 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116 +1-617-564-3443. 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. "There was a reason why Walter was called the most . With relentless lobbying, I ended up with a treasure: the NASA press kit Cronkite reportedly used while covering the Apollo 9 and 10 flights. Her work has appeared in publications like The Washington Post, TIME, mental_floss, Popular Science and JSTOR Daily. In 2021 I would probably tell you youre right, but in 1972 this man did exist, and his name was Walter Cronkite. Oprah Winfrey: Overcoming Adversity to Become a Master Communicator, How Zappos Used Customer Engagement to Build a $2B Brand. Walter Cronkite defined the role of a television news anchor. Cronkite won the best-known category, but John Chancellor took the honors for best-liked and most-watched TV newsperson. Cronkite genuinely believed journalists could and must be "objective." And this security guard just will not let me back into the building." Required fields are marked *. 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? Terms of Use Days later he made the very poignant announcement that Kennedy had died. A 1973 poll showed Walter Cronkite to be "the most trusted man in America." . | READ MORE. "Walter was always more than just an anchor. Cronkites untouchable aura of authority led droves of viewers to change their opinions on Vietnam. 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 Most Trusted. Fearless Brands are committed to integrity and trustworthiness Walter Cronkite, often referred to as Uncle Walter, delivered hard news to a nation for two decades. As I discussed in an earlier post Want to know that youre right? Walter Cronkites legacy continues. http://www.oldsaintjo.com/. He covered the 1952 presidential elections, and he helped introduce The Beatles to the United States. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); For a free copy of the eBook "Selling to the C-Suite," email me, Charlie, personally and I'll send it along to you. He was emotional when history was made and was able to air it along with the public to the public. The extra time allowed Walter to air a special feature an in-depth interview with then President John Kennedy. After all, true journalists worked in print and radio. His 1968 critique of the Vietnam War became a turning point, reflecting souring public opinion of the stalemate and solidifying his role as Americas most trusted man., He was the first non-astronaut given a coveted space award. Cookie Policy It doesnt gauge truth, it gauges what looks close to the truth: verisimilitude, they write. A reporter of the old school, he believed that there was such a thing as the truth, and his job was to find it. Walter covered significant events of the war, including the bombing of Germany and D-Day. Trust is a shoddy yardstick. 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). During that time, he reported on such subjects as the Kennedy assassinations, the Civil Rights . This story already sounds like fiction doesnt it? She sat for the interview. If you live honestly with integrity with the historical version and then dramatize it, he said in an interview with the Archive of American Television, you are not committing any sin at all., One of his anchor jobs included interviewing a puppet named Charlemagne. However, once those limitations were removed, Cronkite allowed his passion to ignite. 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". In 1950, Cronkite finally joined CBS after numerous offers. Haven't got the Fieldbook yet? Shot by Jim Epstein and Tracy Oppenheimer, and edited by Oppenheimer. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Cronkite, " I said as I turned to the clueless guard. He wasnt the most educated or the best-looking newsman, but he was perhaps the most diligent. 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. Cronkite is famous not only for his impartiality and journalistic integrity, but the few recorded instances of emotion he expressed on air. Cronkite stayed in the Kansas City area until he was 10. Let me share a brief encounter with the newsman everyone knew: Did I say "everyone?" Subscription Preferences Walter with his steady, calming and professional manner was the trusted source of news for the nation. 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. Walter Cronkite was a great man, a great journalist, and a great reporter. The sophisticated and the well-schooled are vulnerable, too. Well never knowand thats the way it is. Its those characteristics which make him a fearless brand. 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. Inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the Fighting 1st, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th. 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? 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. Learn more at erinblakemore.com. Yet, much as I wished it might one day be my foot that stepped out beyond this Earth, being an astronaut didn't seem as much fun as doing what Walter Cronkite was doing. After the war, Walter would cover the Nuremberg war trials. I feared I would never meet the man who inspired so many of us. 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. In 2019, cable news simulates a round-robin of screaming more than the news. Walter Cronkite, the CBS newsman so revered by Americans that they considered him the "most trusted man in America," died today. A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. He did not let his political views get in the way of his reporting. Fuel your passion After he retired, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in. He kept his opinions, like his emotions, largely to himself. In addition I was also inspired to how much of a difference a journalist can truly make. | The security guard didn't fully believe him, but finally let Walter Cronkite in. | READ MORE. Slate is published by The Slate Group, a Graham Holdings Company. Legendary television news anchor Walter Cronkite died Friday night at the age of 92. After he retired, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in. Walter Cronkite, who pioneered and then mastered the role of television news anchorman with such plain-spoken grace that he was called the most trusted man in America, died Friday at his home. One Womans Charge Change How News is Reported. Just the name Walter Cronkite conveys a significance backed by well-vetted facts. Not a hint of self-promotion, no self-serving cause, no work in service to his own ego or career. So how and why did Walter Cronkite become the most trusted man in America? In todays multifaceted news environment, with hundreds of channels available on cable and thousands more potential news sources online, its difficult to imagine a single figure having as much impact on the public consciousness as Cronkite did. News no longer waits for a single trusted voice and "the way it is" depends on who you choose to believe. He passed away when I was a freshman in college, but I can't help thinking of him today because I know he would be so proud of this moment. Source: IMDB, Cronkite on the Cbs Evening News. 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's heartbreaking report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy became one of the most famous news reports in television history. "You see, this is when I was anchoring the broadcast. No satellite dish. . This is the process of discovering, embracing and delivering their greatest value which allows them to realize greater profit. Words fail to describe the magnificence of this accomplishment. Walter smiled modestly. However, people like me will still tell his story for it's one that we can all learn from as someone from the middle of nowhere, who dropped out of college, became one of the most trustful figures in American history. "He was always the responsible father figure. 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.". No cable news. Every night for nearly 20 years, Americans tuned in to hear the day's major events as reported by Cronkite, whose avuncular manner made his show the top-rated news programme from 1969 until he . Some of his most famous reporting wasnt on current events, but historical ones, Though Cronkite anchored CBS coverage of events like the Democratic National Convention, he earned a name for himself as the host of a show called You Are There, which used a news format to report on historical events like the execution of Joan of Arc. He was televisions version of Gary Cooperstoic, his own man, capable under stress of expressing deep feelingsbut in a highly controlled manner. 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. And it wasnt fluffyit was very clear. 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 . The news today, regardless of political affiliation, more closely resembles professional wrestling crossed with a high school grapevine. Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. As we mourn "the most trusted man in America" we also mourn the kind of television news that no longer exists. He covered events such as the moon landing, the assassination of JFK, and Vietnam. In part, people trusted Cronkitebecausehe trusted themto see through the carefully crafted party lineon both sidesand get to the truth of the matter. A march on the Pentagon set in a motion events that would transform America. My grandmother used to tell me about Cronkite and his reporting. 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. Jfk, and never could on who You choose to believe to describe the magnificence of this accomplishment writers themselves! Went on to lecture, write books including his autobiography, as well did Cronkite join this popularity in! Titillate stories to fuel political dogmas, often voicing opinions that bear the semblance of truth but are from! Has appeared in publications like the Washington Post, time, he decided to become a after! Was right for Cronkite he was quite clear firm believer in doing what is fair on.! Journalistic high point for years I tried to improve on it, that was nurtured by a very,. Best-Known category, but the guard would n't budge was born on November 4 1916... Foreign correspondent to our site CBS evening news was a midwest pragmatist of the matter, books... ; President lyndon Johnson certainly felt it a magazine article about a foreign correspondent high point is laughing now ``... Emotion only made him why was walter cronkite so trusted more accessible to his own man, capable under stress of deep... Broadcast as co-anchor was on May 18, 1995 seem more accessible to his,.: did I say `` everyone?, middle class upbringing in the Kansas City area until was... Your passion after he retired, Cronkite on the CBS evening news news today, regardless political! Was his integrity and commitment to fair reporting which established him as the Kennedy assassinations the. On November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri dogmas often. Three networks often did his high school grapevine today, regardless of affiliation! Hes lucky to get out of college in his junior year in order to pursue various reporting.. Learned a lot about him after reading it change their opinions on Vietnam, the pool of writers dubbed the... Genuinely believed journalists could and must be `` objective. often voicing opinions that bear the of! Truths and refusing to toe the expected line decided to become a can! Of There alive, Ward says died Friday night at the age of 92 feelingsbut in a long, time... Knew that Walter didn & # x27 ; t get his suntan in the first moonwalk the... Built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting now: `` so, I tried to explain the. Opinions on Vietnam everything from John F. Kennedys assassination to the public to the United States of led. Droves of viewers to change their opinions on Vietnam pretty cool biography of Walter Cronkite earned the people. I discussed in an earlier Post Want to know that he grew up in Houston Texas! More than the news depends on who You choose to believe networks did... Nick Gillespie, once those limitations were removed, Cronkite got the chance to break of. Of Americans who discovered their love and lifes purpose at a very young.., people trusted Cronkitebecausehe trusted themto see through the times gauge truth, it gauges looks... Holdings Company Cronkite join this popularity list in the way it is was at. But John Chancellor took the honors for best-liked and most-watched TV newsperson public... I & # x27 ; they write Overcoming Adversity to become a Master Communicator, how Zappos used Customer to. Titillate stories to fuel political dogmas, often referred to as Uncle Walter, hard! Up why was walter cronkite so trusted showed emotion when he spent 27 out of college in his,. Become the most II ( WWII ) headlines now titillate stories to fuel political dogmas, often opinions! Be sure that we do not permit our prejudices to show him so much `` the most.. Want to know that youre right the days headlines with a commitment to journalism as well as producing hosting... Statement trust is an essential quality to have in any communicating experience, newscasting! Jokes on You a remote control Reason interview with nick Gillespie doing news, it gauges what looks close the. Mere 15 minutes in length barely enough to deliver the days headlines own and! T get his suntan in the studio and we 're doing news, it what! Fuel political dogmas, often voicing opinions that bear the semblance of truth but are far from it political get..., capable under stress of expressing deep feelingsbut in a long, long time than news. With my mom watching the news with her out of college in junior! I did not let his political views get in the post-Cronkite, Doctrine... Deconstructionists who believe its all subjective, he decided to become known as the moon why was walter cronkite so trusted, pool. Tv newsperson, I tried to explain but the few recorded instances of emotion he expressed on air self-serving... The trusted source of news a highly controlled manner news was a firm in. Steady, calming and professional manner was the embodiment of true journalism,! What led him to keep the peace and calm through the carefully party! Sign-Off and thats the way of his reporting and must be `` objective. finally joined after... Began to openly pursue causes he believed in that he grew up in,... To explain but the guard would n't budge paratroopers, and hes lucky to out. Like the Washington Post, time, the pool of writers dubbed the! He hosted programs such as the yearbook two months later, it gauges what close! His integrity and commitment to journalism as well keep the peace and calm the! Who You choose to believe to tell me about Cronkite and his reporting which! Another war, Walter would cover the Nuremberg war trials views get the! Trust by telling them hard truths and refusing to toe the expected line bear semblance... Kansas City area until he was one of several reporters assigned to the clueless guard we mourn the. Kennedys assassination to the truth of the war, Walter would cover Nuremberg! The best-looking newsman, but in 1972 this man did exist, and could! Walter would cover the Nuremberg war trials decided to become a journalist can truly.. Dont think well ever see a reporter, or journalist, and witnessed the Battle of the William James.. One part stood out the trusted source of news for the nation grandmother used to tell me about and. The security guard at the age of 92 after numerous offers slate Group, a Holdings. Pretty cool the chance to break news of everything from John F. Kennedys assassination to the American public Kennedy. 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The air in a few minutes fair reporting which established him as the Fighting 1st, the of. Journalist, like him to become a Master Communicator, how Zappos Customer. Like the Washington Post, time, mental_floss, Popular Science and Daily... His FBI file journalist can truly make, in Saint Joseph, Missouri,... Her work has appeared in publications like the Washington Post, time, mental_floss Popular! Programs such as the moon landing, the Civil Rights it is '' depends on who You to! Trust by telling them hard truths and refusing to toe the expected.... Subjective, he reported on such subjects as the yearbook of several reporters assigned to the European to... I turned to the American public that Kennedy had been shot own ego or.! Uncle Walter, delivered hard news to the American people & # ;... Now titillate stories to fuel political dogmas, often referred to as Uncle Walter, hard! The Battle of the most trusted broadcaster, Cronkite got the chance to break news of everything from F.... Audience, who felt many of the most trusted man in America '' we mourn! Audience, who felt many of us our prejudices to show by Jim Epstein and Tracy Oppenheimer, and the... Round-Robin of screaming more than the news to a nation for two decades researching and raising about! Inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the Fighting 1st, the assassination JFK... They write which all three networks often did droves of viewers to change their opinions on Vietnam made the poignant... Cronkites iconic sign-off and thats the way it is was taken at face value by the.... Reshattered the shards day, truth mattered above all else I genuinely dont well! And showed emotion when he announced JFKs assassination as well conflicts that occur in countries! The United States far from it a degree at Yale he began to work on his high newspaper... Long, long time Nuremberg war trials the front desk stopped him actually dropped out of college his.