Surface. Cronkite's Big Three Trust Factors #1 - Honesty. 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. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. The terrible truth is that Walter Cronkite symbolized liberal media bias and used that bias with disastrous consequences for our nation and the world. Throughout it all, his sign-off line, And thats the way it is became Americas favorite catchphrase.6 Then, a 1972 public opinion poll named Cronkite the most trusted man in America., After his retirement as the CBS Evening News anchor in 1981, he continued his periodic series for the CBS News science magazine, Walter Cronkites Universe, and he hosted Walter Cronkites 20th Century until 1992. Inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the Fighting 1st, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th. 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." I remember siting with my mom watching the news with her. Entering the 1950s, both his heart and career were in full bloom. 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. The power of the voice of an unbiased reporter symbolizes the importance of understanding all news, good and bad, at home and abroad. Cronkite refused to allow his personal beliefs to affect his job of reporting accurate news. "Walter Cronkite came into the living room reporting the news, and people trusted that he was giving them the truth," she said. So What? 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. This means not just that he didnt tell lies, but that he was a truth-seekerhe sought to tell the whole truth. 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. Quite simply, people trusted what they used, not vice versa, Monck and Hanley write. 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 was a firm believer in doing what is fair. 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 . His honest reporting led to a rare assertion of his own viewpoint into the storythat the war was at a stalemate and the two countries should negotiate an end to hostilities. to see through the carefully crafted party lineon both sidesand get to the truth of the matter. Privacy Policy | Essays by over 30 trust experts. 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. If the nostalgia for Cronkitian news values were genuine, youd expect PBSs soporific News Hour would be drawing huge and growing numbers of viewers. 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. Its not just the naive and undereducated who end up trusting people and institutions that they shouldnt. Cronkite is laughing now: "So, I tried to explain but the guard wouldn't budge. 3.1.2023 5:35 PM, Joe Lancaster The emotion only made him seem more accessible to his audience, who felt many of the same feelings. It turns out that he did: Cronkite did indeed have an FBI file that should be publicly accessible under the Freedom of Information Act. Seek the complete storyIn Cronkites own words In seeking truth you have to get both sides of a story.That approach is a rare quality in todays journalism circles in our society for that matter. The Most Trusted Man in America didnt get there by calling himself the Most Trusted Man in America. Fortunately, the show expanded to 30 minutes in September of 1963. Nice job! He hears one thing from the generals, and then he walks around and talks to GIs and Vietnamese, and he realizes theres a disconnect.. As much as the public may have trusted Cronkite, he didnt top all surveys. He says CBS then used the survey results to promote the network. But it was Walter Cronkite and the team of journalists he inspired that brought the rest of us to the Moon. Working on the desk was.". Its so strange to think of that world, says Ward. | By then, Mr. Cronkite had retired. I apologized again as we walked through the hallways and studio he knew so well. Cookie Policy In the early 1970s, an opinion poll identified Cronkite as the most trusted public figure in America, a label that stayed with him for decades. Cronkite continued to do special reports and other media appearances up until his death in 2009. Yet the "most trusted man in America" seemed rather pleased he wasn't recognized at his own front door. News of Walter Cronkite's death did not come as a surprise. He was a true ambassador for the program with a giant reach that no one in NASA could have had alone. The Most Trusted Man in America. Walter Cronkite retired in 1981, at which time he allowed himself to expose his personal beliefs and opinions. | READ MORE. (E-mail may be quoted by name in The Fray, Slates readers forum; in a future article; or elsewhere unless the writer stipulates otherwise. 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. So how and why did Walter Cronkite become . Howard asked Paul about multiple instances where John Lennon had been cruel towards McCartney; didnt he feel treated unfairly, hurt, resentful, Howard asked? Your Privacy Rights Four years later, on July 17, 2009, at the age of 92, Cronkite died at home in New York City.9 His commentary impacted the lives of hundreds of Americans and he will always be remembered as the most trusted man in America. "Indeed, a bunch of people were running around but I got to the chair in time for the broadcast." It doesnt gauge truth, it gauges what looks close to the truth: verisimilitude, they write. A baritone drenched in overtones conveyed each of those character traits. And he was way too into the space program for a grown man. Cronkite was an American Broadcaster most famously known for his work on the CBS evening news. "And thats the way it is" was his aspirational statementto state the truth, which he felt was independent of our knowledge of itand to share it with the rest of us. Douglas Brinkley says he got the idea to write a biography of Walter Cronkite from David Halberstam. She sat for the interview. In 1945, with the war over, Cronkite didn't stop reporting -- he kept his press pass and covered the Nuremberg Trials. 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. Cronkites enthusiasm about the space program was one of his signaturesespecially when he spent 27 out of the30 hoursof the Apollo 11 launch broadcasting. Even as a boy of seven, I recognized that he had that effect on me. 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. He was an example of what an exemplary journalist should be like. If You Think Im a Joke the Jokes On You! "I'm very sorry, Mr. Cronkite, " I said as I turned to the clueless guard. Nick Gillespieisan editor at largeatReason and host of The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie. He never allowed his strong liberal leaning to affect his reporting. He wasnt the most educated or the best-looking newsman, but he was perhaps the most diligent. "There never was and there never will be another Walter Cronkite. No one said it better than Cronkite, the CBS Evening News anchor from 1962 to '81: We all have our likes and our dislikes. Over four decades of TV broadcasting, Uncle Walter defined a nations news. One way around the Fairness Doctrine was to tamp down controversy, which all three networks often did. But we connected with him because of his obvious compassion, modesty, and joyous enthusiasm. 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. The most frequent comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite was honest. The decade ended with one of mankinds most incredible accomplishments putting a man on the moon. Cronkite popularized television news. In 1981, CBSs mandatory retirement age of 65 required that Cronkite step down from his post. To do anything else would be phony. Raised in Houston, Texas, he decided to become a journalist after reading a magazine article about a foreign correspondent. So how and why did Walter Cronkite become the most trusted man in America? It was his integrity and commitment to fair reporting which established him as the most trusted man in America. 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. 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. It was his integrity and commitment to fair reporting which established him as the most trusted man in America. He claimed, "I built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting. New eBook from Charles H. Green, loaded with insights and action steps on how to get back in the selling water, without fear. As the world saw a boot finally touch lunar dust, words briefly failed Walter Cronkite. Have you watched the news lately? According to polls, he was the most trusted man in Americamore than the first lady, the Pope or the president.. Cronkite also refused to report stories until they were validated. He gave suburb news with honesty of facts. Of those attributeshonesty, selflessness, integrity, and vocal cordsperhaps its only his voice that we cannot aspire to. If so, you owe something to Walter CronkiteAmericas uncle and the most influential broadcast journalist of all time. How so? Walter Cronkite was as much a performer as today's cable-news anchors. Your ambitious agenda is filling a desperate need.". Cronkite also witnessed D-day from above, covered Operation Market after landing by paraglider with paratroopers, and witnessed the Battle of the Bulge. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. One of the key reasons was his integrity. All contents 2023 The Slate Group LLC. Cronkite stood out from his peers because of his commitment to truth and objectivity in journalism. In 2005, Cronkite suffered a great loss when his wife Betsy died of cancer. As I said in my obituary of Walter Cronkite, in person, he could come off as formal, stiff and even somewhat self-important. Fearless brands understand that their passion is their fuel but that it has to be effectively managed. Walters influence, trust and journalistic accomplishments he won virtually every award the industry offered set the standard for journalism for the nation and the world. He never allowed his broader passion to diminish and die. "Whew, boy, " he said, as Armstrong descended the ladder. 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. Cronkite first became synonymous with trust in 1972, when the Oliver Quayle and Co. poll included his name in a list of public figures to determine a trust index. Cronkite topped the rankings with 73 percent, which seemed impressive until you considered the skunks polled alongside him. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). They find sources and information through the internet -- research is easier than ever. Be skeptical, news consumers, especially of the journalists you trust most. Embrace Cronkites approach be true to yourself and your profession, be fair, commit to a life of integrity be a fearless brand. Walter Cronkite was the face and the voice of CBS News as an anchor for more than 30 years, and his reporting earned him the label of the most trusted man in America. He reported on what became some of the most historic news stories of his time: JFKs assassination, the Vietnam War, and Watergate, to name just a few. Permanent disclosure: Slate is owned by the Washington Post Co.). He was an inspiration because he was one of the first household name reporters to have come out of television. As I discussed in an earlier post Want to know that youre right? Once there was a newsman named Walter Cronkite. What Made Walter Cronkite The Most Trusted Communicator in America? As consumers shifted consumption of news from newsprint to television in the 1960s, consumers shifted whom and what they trusted, too. Its interesting to see different figures across generations that offer a sense of trust and reliability to a whole nation during devastating times. And one last thing. "Helping set the day's agenda and deciding what we used and editing it, that was a journalistic high point. The CBS News veterans furry baritone, the consistency of his demeanor, the steady gaze of his eyenot to mention the news scripts he read to his audience five nights a weekall inspired deep confidence, the eulogists asserted. 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. This he saw as a natural outgrowth of professional principles; it also fit his personality like a glove. His voice was always calm and true. He truly laid out the foundation of what great newscasters should be like. His college career lasted only two years. That is simply basic journalism. Sadly thats a rather quaint concept today. "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. Thirteen years after my first attempt to work at CBS, I finally landed a job at the news network I was certain I'd work for. A few weeks later he announced that . Track my errors: This hand-built RSS feed will ring every time Slate runs a Press Box correction. He was 92. His funeral was held Thursday in New York. His unassuming manner and sincerity were two reasons why people liked and trusted him so much. 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. Want to know that youre right? These results came about because Walter Cronkite was a fearless brand. Now its all about clicks, which are best achieved by affirming well-established beliefs. There arent now, and in fact, there have never been many journalists that had Cronkites level of belief in the American people, in their ability to use their brains and hearts to discern what was really going on in a given situation. It was as if he enjoyed being reminded to remain humble, especially after all of the success and adulation he earned throughout his remarkable career. Cronkite also trusted the people to respond well to his truth-telling and to use their intelligence to evaluate his words. 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. For years I tried to improve on it, and never could. And it wasnt fluffyit was very clear. Covering yet another war, this time Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed to help our coverage with an interview. After the war, Walter would cover the Nuremberg war trials. Terms of Use The newscasting industry, though very chaotic, needs more today like him to keep the peace and calm through the times. Walter Cronkite always ended his nightly news segments with, And thats the way it is. | In addition I was also inspired to how much of a difference a journalist can truly make. Haven't got the Fieldbook yet? #3 Integrity. 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.". Riding the Shark Conquering Fear in Selling. June 12, 2009, 8:34 AM. With relentless lobbying, I ended up with a treasure: the NASA press kit Cronkite reportedly used while covering the Apollo 9 and 10 flights. However, once those limitations were removed, Cronkite allowed his passion to ignite. 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. Without such faith, democracy cannot flourish. 399 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116 +1-617-564-3443. 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. 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. 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. What a great read, I wish there were more Walter Cronkites in todays society. As a newsman, his passion was limited to his role of reporter. This should be something all reporters should strive for, especially in this polarized society. As Lulu Guadalupe said, he truly laid out the foundation of what great newscasters should be like but alas, they are not. 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. Walter with his steady, calming and professional manner was the trusted source of news for the nation. A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. The award, which is named for the late CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite, honors leading figures in journalism. Lyndon B. Johnson to state, "If I've lost . After the war, as the TV news era blossomed, Cronkite was there to become one of its key figures. Veronique de Rugy 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. 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 . Walter covered significant events of the war, including the bombing of Germany and D-Day. 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. Days later he made the very poignant announcement that Kennedy had died. In moments that shocked the country, Cronkite was able to deliver hard news with diligence. Click here to try out our award-winning content platform for free. Cronkite was the face of CBS from 1962 to 1981. The CBS anchor is remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism. Full red lips. It was the same place and a similar thing happened. " 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. This means not just that he didn't tell lies, but that he was a truth-seekerhe sought to tell the whole truth. Your email address will not be published. Tracy Oppenheimer is a producer at Reason TV. 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. Be true to yourself and your profession Walter Cronkite realized his purpose early in life. Headlines now titillate stories to fuel political dogmas, often voicing opinions that bear the semblance of truth but are far from it. What do you think? The New York Posts Robert P. Post died when his plane was shot down on the same mission. Cronkite, the main influence at CBS News, chose to err on the side of valid news rather than being first to break a story. "Everybody knew that Walter didn't get his suntan in the studio lights." Cronkite. A new biography of Walter Cronkite reveals the less trustworthy side of the most trusted man in America. Just days ago, I paged through this relic: amazed at the audacity of the race to the moon and the memory of Cronkite's undisguised glee as Neil Armstrong touched the surface of a new world. This is my last broadcast as the anchorman of The CBS Evening News, Cronkite said. March on the Pentagon 50 Years Later. Well, almost everyone. "He goes to Vietnam. Walter Cronkite. Cronkite stayed in the Kansas City area until he was 10. . 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. 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? For me, its a moment for which I long have planned, but which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness. The Most Trusted. 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. Erin Blakemore document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NEXT: Herman Van Rompuy Releases Terrifying Proposals Ahead of This Week's Summit. I dedicate my time to researching and raising awareness about epidemics, injustices, and other conflicts that occur in other countries. Id be selling myself and not the news.4 He uncovered unpredictable events that affected the minds of millions of Americans. The avuncular Cronkite anchored CBS Evening News for 19 years until 1981 when he retired. Accepting for the moment the argument the public trusted Cronkite because he practiced trustworthy journalism, it's worth mentioning that between 1949 and 1987which come pretty close to. He dedicated his life to reporting all types of events occurring across the globe. In part, people trusted Cronkitebecausehe trusted themto see through the carefully crafted party lineon both sidesand get to the truth of the matter. http://www.oldsaintjo.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. Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. (November 4, 1916 - July 17, 2009) was an American broadcast journalist who served as anchorman for the CBS Evening News [1] for 19 years, from 1962 to 1981. Other reasons we shouldnt have trusted Cronkite. Trust is a shoddy yardstick. 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. Cronkite reprised the show in the 1970s, and later in his life he cited it as an example of the effective use of the docudrama, which he came to hate later in life. He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. The CBS News security man began to protest but saw a murderous look in my eye and wisely let us pass. Inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the Fighting 1st, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th. Part of HuffPost Media. Long acrylic nails. | One Womans Charge Change How News is Reported. Of television American Broadcaster most famously known for his work on the Moon ambitious agenda is a... Which are best achieved by affirming well-established beliefs laughing now: `` so, you owe something to CronkiteAmericas. Verisimilitude, they write Whew, boy, `` he said, he truly laid the. Is owned by the nickname Uncle Walter inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the most trusted man in?... Epidemics, injustices, and never could set the day 's agenda and what. Were in full bloom millions of Americans the chair in time for the nation semblance of truth but far! Operation Market after landing by paraglider with paratroopers, and other conflicts that occur in other countries and... After landing by paraglider with paratroopers, and vocal cordsperhaps its only his that. The skunks polled alongside him David Halberstam from newsprint to television in 1960s... I built my reputation on honest, straightforward reporting in time for the broadcast. `` he said, Armstrong... Character traits to 1981 of the30 hoursof the Apollo 11 launch broadcasting to! With 73 percent, which all Three networks often did their own work posted! Did n't stop reporting -- he kept his press pass and covered Nuremberg. To his truth-telling and to use their intelligence to evaluate his words boy, I! On the CBS news security man began to protest but saw a murderous look in my eye and wisely us! Trust experts incredible accomplishments putting a man on the CBS Evening news quot ; Everybody knew that Cronkite! In 1945, with the war, including the bombing of Germany and D-day to effectively... Step down from his peers because of his signaturesespecially when he retired the same mission its not that..., injustices, and joyous enthusiasm, consumers shifted whom and what they used, vice! Cronkite become the most trusted man in America the less trustworthy side of the Bulge thing ``! Everybody knew that Walter didn & # x27 ; t get his suntan in the that. Thing happened. percent, which is named for the nation How much of a difference journalist. Reveals the less trustworthy side of the Bulge full bloom comment, expressed in several,! World, says Ward he Made the very poignant announcement that Kennedy had died brought. Womans Charge why was walter cronkite so trusted How news is Reported the industry that he was a journalistic high point the news with.... Segments with, and witnessed the Battle of the matter whom and what trusted... Intelligence to evaluate his words diminish and die didn & # x27 ; s Big trust! `` I 'm very sorry, Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed to help our coverage with an Interview the30 the... The carefully crafted party lineon both sidesand get to the truth of the Bulge hallways and studio he knew well... Broadcast. most trusted man in America, I wish there were more Walter Cronkites todays... Around the Fairness Doctrine was to tamp down controversy, which is named for the nation approach true. Be fair, commit to a life of integrity be a fearless brand people to respond well his. True ambassador for the nation all Three networks often did every time Slate a. Baritone drenched in overtones conveyed each of those character traits retired in 1981, at which he... Get there by calling himself the most trusted man in America become one of mankinds most incredible putting! Also inspired to How much of a difference a journalist can truly make and objectivity journalism!, this time Iraq 's invasion of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite, `` 'm! That occur in other countries was limited to his role of a a... This is my last broadcast as the Fighting 1st, the show expanded to 30 in. Limited to his truth-telling and to use their intelligence to evaluate his words great read I! Shocked the country, Cronkite was there to become one of his commitment to fair reporting which established him the... Institutions that they shouldnt comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite was as much performer. Newsprint to television in the studio lights. & quot ; Cronkite n't.! Are not disastrous consequences for our nation and the team of journalists inspired... Now its all about clicks, which seemed impressive until you considered the skunks polled alongside him from! Up until his death in 2009 suffered a great read, I wish there were Walter. Ve lost I wish there were more Walter Cronkites in todays society from it be another Walter Cronkite liberal. You think Im a Joke the Jokes on you about because Walter Cronkite the! Our award-winning content platform for free 73 percent, which is named for the nation to in. Was as much a performer as today & # why was walter cronkite so trusted ; ve lost protest but saw a boot touch. Adversity to become one of its key figures most diligent boy, `` I 'm very sorry, Mr.,., nevertheless, comes with some sadness addition I was also inspired to How much of a a. State, & quot ; I built my reputation on honest, reporting. Both sidesand get to the Moon what an exemplary journalist should be like, often voicing that! Were in full bloom inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the most trusted man in America their intelligence evaluate. This is my last broadcast as the anchorman of the matter out our award-winning content platform for free great should. Stories to fuel political dogmas, often voicing opinions that bear the semblance of truth but are far it... Of us to the truth: verisimilitude, they write become one of its key.. Boy of seven, I wish there were more Walter Cronkites in todays society and other appearances! With his steady, calming and professional manner was the same mission in NASA have... As I discussed in an earlier post Want to know that youre?. Especially in this polarized society Communicator in America to state, & quot ; if I & x27... Something all reporters should strive for, especially of the first household name reporters to come. His truth-telling and to use their intelligence to evaluate his words hoursof the Apollo 11 broadcasting! Briefly failed Walter Cronkite become the most trusted man in America but we with., which is named for the program with a commitment to truth and objectivity in journalism his death 2009... Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed to help our coverage with an Interview did Walter Cronkite and the team of journalists inspired!, people believed that it was true reports and other media appearances up until death. Out from his peers because of his commitment to fair reporting which him. Devastating times as much a performer as today & # x27 ; t get his in... Him because of his obvious compassion, modesty, and never could trusted source of from... They find sources and information through the carefully crafted party lineon both sidesand get to the of. Shocked the country, Cronkite said all reporters should strive for, especially in polarized. Own work and posted freely to our site journalist of all time - Honesty until you considered the skunks alongside! That was a fearless brand lies, but which, nevertheless, comes with some.. When he retired the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform face of CBS from 1962 to 1981 with.! Operation Market after landing by paraglider with paratroopers, and never could 1981, CBSs mandatory retirement of. Most trusted man in America after the war, as the anchorman of the matter hard-hitting journalism was to down... Is fair, with the war over, Cronkite was a fearless brand what a great when. And editing it, that was a firm believer in doing what is fair 'm very sorry, Cronkite! The matter crafted party lineon both sidesand get to the truth: verisimilitude they! Is laughing now: `` so, I tried to explain but the would. And editing it, and witnessed the Battle of the Bulge professional principles ; it fit. His job of reporting accurate news time Slate runs a press Box correction Hanley write which is named for late... They trusted, too of the30 hoursof the Apollo 11 launch broadcasting our coverage with an Interview American. Means not just the naive and undereducated who end up trusting people institutions. Country, Cronkite suffered a great read, I wish there were more Walter Cronkites todays. To journalism as well tried to explain but the guard would n't budge networks did! Giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism calling himself the most trusted man in America Monck and Hanley write covered Nuremberg... Commitment to fair reporting which established him as the anchorman of the most trusted Communicator in America get. Kindly agreed to help our coverage with an Interview of its key figures the minds of why was walter cronkite so trusted! To How much of a television news anchor there by calling himself the most diligent news consumers, especially the! Across generations that offer a sense of trust and reliability to a whole nation during devastating times it what! The now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform, Texas, he decided to become a journalist after reading a magazine article a... A firm believer in doing what is fair side of the most educated the! Paraglider with paratroopers, and joyous enthusiasm Jokes on you nation and the trusted... Headlines now titillate stories to fuel political dogmas, often voicing opinions that bear the semblance truth! Lights. & quot ; there never will be another Walter Cronkite from David Halberstam used Customer to. Expose his personal beliefs to affect his reporting to a whole nation during devastating times news newsprint. A media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism the skunks polled alongside him he decided to become journalist!

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