Walter Cronkite
Walter Cronkite: The Voice of Truth
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Walter Leland Cronkite Jr.
Common Aliases: "Uncle Walter," "The Most Trusted Man in America"
Birth and Death Dates
Born: November 4, 1916
Died: July 17, 2009
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Journalist, News Anchor, Author
Early Life and Background
Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, and raised in Houston, Texas. His father, Walter Leland Cronkite Sr., was a dentist, and his mother, Helen Lena Fritsche, was a homemaker. From a young age, Cronkite was fascinated by the world of journalism. He was inspired by the stories he read in newspapers and the broadcasts he heard on the radio. This early interest led him to work on his high school newspaper and later, while attending the University of Texas at Austin, he joined the Daily Texan, the university's student newspaper. Although he never completed his degree, his passion for journalism set the stage for a remarkable career.
Major Accomplishments
Walter Cronkite's career in journalism began in earnest when he joined the United Press in 1937. His work as a war correspondent during World War II, where he reported from Europe and North Africa, earned him a reputation for accuracy and integrity. In 1950, Cronkite joined CBS News, where he would eventually become the anchor of the "CBS Evening News" in 1962. Under his stewardship, the program became the most-watched news broadcast in America.
Cronkite's coverage of major events, such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, the Apollo 11 moon landing, and the Watergate scandal, solidified his status as a trusted voice in American journalism. His calm and authoritative delivery during these pivotal moments in history earned him the moniker "The Most Trusted Man in America."
Notable Works or Actions
One of Cronkite's most notable broadcasts was his report on the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War. After visiting Vietnam in 1968, Cronkite delivered a rare editorial in which he expressed skepticism about the U.S. government's optimistic portrayal of the war's progress. His candid assessment is often credited with influencing public opinion and even swaying President Lyndon B. Johnson's approach to the conflict.
Cronkite's coverage of the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969 is another highlight of his career. His genuine enthusiasm and awe during the broadcast captured the imagination of millions of viewers, making the historic event even more memorable. His ability to convey complex information in an accessible manner made him a beloved figure in American households.
Impact and Legacy
Walter Cronkite's impact on journalism and American culture is profound. He set a standard for news reporting that emphasized accuracy, integrity, and impartiality. His dedication to these principles helped shape the public's expectation of news media and established a benchmark for future generations of journalists.
Cronkite's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. He was a vocal advocate for journalistic integrity and freedom of the press. After retiring from the "CBS Evening News" in 1981, he continued to contribute to public discourse through writing, speaking engagements, and occasional television appearances. His influence is evident in the continued reverence for his work and the enduring trust he inspired in viewers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Walter Cronkite is widely quoted and remembered for his unwavering commitment to truth and his ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and empathy. His famous sign-off, "And that's the way it is," became synonymous with his brand of honest journalism. Cronkite's words and actions during critical moments in history provided a sense of stability and trust for a nation often in turmoil.
His legacy as "The Most Trusted Man in America" endures because he represented the ideal of what journalism could and should be. In an era where media trust is frequently questioned, Cronkite's example serves as a reminder of the power of integrity and the importance of a free and fair press. His quotes continue to resonate because they reflect a deep understanding of the role of journalism in society and the responsibility that comes with it.
Quotes by Walter Cronkite
Walter Cronkite's insights on:
I did not believe that the public was sophisticated enough to understand that a newsman could wear several hats and that we had the ability to turn off - nearly, you can't say perfectly, but nearly - all of our prejudices and biases.
All through my life, I have never disguised my sentiments about politics in general.
There's no story that breaks, including a five-alarm fire in Brooklyn, that I don't wish I were covering.
I can't go into a mob scene and sense the mood and the attitude of the crowd. I can't conduct man-on-the-street interviews or even get reactions that I can be sure are honest, because they know who I am.
I suppose popularity is measured by ratings. If a broadcaster is known as the leader because of ratings, then that's where people most want to be seen and heard, so there's no question that there's an advantage.
Anybody who's spent thirteen or fourteen years in print journalism has a lot of stories he thinks were inwardly satisfying as far as preparation, understanding, and diligence.