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Walter Cronkite was an iconic figure in American journalism and is often considered the most trusted news anchor in U.S. history. As the anchor of the CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981, Cronkite became a household name, delivering news with unbiased integrity and a reassuring demeanor. His career spanned from the early days of radio broadcasting to the birth of television news, witnessing and reporting on some of the most significant events of the 20th century. From the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to the moon landing, Walter Cronkite’s voice and presence became synonymous with the nation’s understanding of current events. In this article, we will explore the life, impact, and legacy of this legendary journalist.

(1916-2009)

Table of Contents

Who Was Walter Cronkite?

Walter Cronkite helped launch the CBS Evening News in 1962 and served as its news anchor until his retirement in 1981. The hallmarks of his style were honesty, impartiality and level-headedness, and “And that’s the way it is” was his jaunty nightly sign-off. Identified in public opinion polls as the man Americans most trusted, he provided a voice of reason during the Vietnam and Watergate eras.

Early Life and Career

Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Raised in Houston, Texas, he decided to become a journalist after reading a magazine article about a foreign correspondent. He left the University of Texas to work for the Houston Post in 1935, later working for Midwestern radio stations.

During World War II, Cronkite covered the European front for United Press and served as chief United Press correspondent at the Nuremberg trials. Joining CBS News in 1950, he worked on a variety of programs and covered national political conventions and elections. He helped launch the CBS Evening News in 1962 and served as its news anchor until his retirement in 1981. The hallmarks of his style were honesty, impartiality and level-headedness, and “And that’s the way it is” was his jaunty nightly sign-off. Identified in public opinion polls as the man Americans most trusted, he provided a voice of reason during the Vietnam and Watergate eras.

Walter Cronkite

Photo: Getty Images

Post-Retirement and Books

After retiring, Cronkite hosted Universe (1982), co-produced Why in the World (1981), and hosted Dinosaur (1991). He also did a special short series in 1996 called Cronkite Remembers. In addition to his television work, Cronkite wrote several books, including A Reporter’s Life (1996) and Around America (2001).

Legacy and Death

During his distinguished career, Cronkite has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Peabody Award twice, several Emmy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981. Most recently, he received the News World International’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 and the 2004 Harry S. Truman Good Neighbor Award from the Truman Foundation.

In 2005, Cronkite suffered a great personal loss. His beloved wife Betsy died of cancer at the age of 89. Four years later, in mid-2009, Cronkite was reported to be ill with cerebrovascular disease. He died at his home in New York City on July 17, 2009, at the age of 92. He was buried next to his wife at their family cemetery plot in Kansas City, Missouri.

QUICK FACTS

Name: Walter Cronkite
Birth Year: 1916
Birth date: November 4, 1916
Birth State: Missouri
Birth City: St. Joseph
Birth Country: United States
Gender: Male
Best Known For: Walter Cronkite was a lifelong newsman who became the voice of the truth for America as a nighttime anchorman.
Industries

Journalism and Nonfiction
World War II
Radio
Television

Astrological Sign: Scorpio
Schools

University of Texas

Death Year: 2009
Death date: July 17, 2009
Death State: New York
Death City: New York
Death Country: United States

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CITATION INFORMATION

Article Title: Walter Cronkite Biography
Author: Biography.com Editors
Website Name: The Biography.com website
Url: https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/walter-cronkite
Access Date:
Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
Last Updated: April 19, 2021
Original Published Date: April 2, 2014

QUOTES

And that’s the way it is.

In conclusion, Walter Cronkite was a legendary figure in the field of journalism and broadcasting. He was known for his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to delivering accurate news to the American public. Through his career, Cronkite reported on some of the most significant events of the 20th century, earning the trust and respect of millions of viewers. His influence extended beyond the realm of journalism, as he played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing political decisions. Cronkite’s journalistic legacy continues to inspire and serve as a standard for reporters worldwide. As we reflect on his contributions, it is clear that Walter Cronkite’s impact on the field of journalism is immeasurable, and his commitment to the truth is a testament to the importance of responsible reporting.