David Brinkley

About

David Brinkley was an esteemed American journalist and newscaster known for his work with NBC and ABC news networks. Born on July 10, 1920 in Wilmington, North Carolina, Brinkley began his career in broadcast news after serving in the army during WWII. He rose to fame as one half of the "Huntley-Brinkley Report" on NBC, which aired from 1956 to 1970 and was one of the most watched news programs of its time. Post this, he worked as host of "This Week with David Brinkley" on ABC News from 1981 until his retirement in 1997. Brinkley's contributions to journalism earned him ten Emmy AwardsAnnual awards recognizing excellence in the television industry, presented by the Academy of Televis... and three George Foster Peabody AwardsPrestigious international awards recognizing distinguished and meritorious public service by radio a..., among other accolifications. He passed away on June 11, 2003 in Houston, Texas.

Associated With

David Brinkley, an iconic American newscaster and journalist, primarily had professional associations within the broadcast news industry. Known for his 15 years co-anchoring NBC's "Huntley-Brinkley Report" with Chet Huntley, Brinkley developed substantial connections within NBC. After the "Huntley-Brinkley Report", Brinkley then began his renowned tenure hosting "This Week with David Brinkley" on ABC, enhancing ties within a second major network. He interviews, interacted and collaborated with influential figures in world politics, journalism, and media as part of his roles. His literary collaborations add a different dimension to his associations, specifically, his autobiography which won an Emmy as a television special. However, Brinkley was known for maintaining a relatively private personal life, keeping his professional interactions separate. His influence in the industry signaled respect and admiration from his peers, culminating in multiple awards including ten Emmys, three George Foster Peabody Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Career Highlights

• 1943: David Brinkley began his professional career in broadcasting with the NBC News division.
• 1956: He co-anchored the first general election on live television alongside Chet Huntley for the NBC News.
• 1961: Brinkley received his first Emmy Award for individual achievements in the field of news and documentaryA non-fiction genre that documents reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education, or... programming.
• 1970: David Brinkley left the Huntley-Brinkley Report and began hosting "NBC Nightly News".
• 1979: He moved to ABC News and started hosting the Sunday morning talk show, "This Week with David Brinkley".
• 1988: He was awarded with the Paul White Award by the Radio Television Digital News Association for his lifetime contribution to electronic journalism.
• 1992: He earned the prestigious Peabody Award for his contribution to journalism.
• 1996: Brinkley retired from regular weekly broadcasting at ABC News, ending his tenure on "This Week with David Brinkley".
• 2003: He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the nation’s highest civilian award given by the President of the United States.
• Posthumously in 2010: Inducted into the North Carolina Journalism Hall of Fame acknowledging his pivotal role in the transformation of reporting news on television.

Notable Awards

• David Brinkley, a prominent American newscaster, has received numerous awards throughout his illustrious career. Some of his notable awards include:
• George Foster Peabody Award: He won this prestigious award for his contribution to the field of journalism in 1956 and again in 1992.
• Alfred I. DuPont–Columbia University Award: He received this in 1962.
• Emmy Awards: David Brinkley has won ten Emmy Awards for his exceptional work in the field of television broadcasting.
• Paul White Award: He was the recipient of this award by the Radio Television Digital News Association in 1992.
• Presidential Medal of Freedom: He was bestowed with the United States' highest civilian honor in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush.
• Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame: He was given this honor in 1988 for his immense contributions to American television.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular David Brinkley Movie/TV Show?

David Brinkley is best known for his journalistic career rather than as a movie or TV show actor. However, his most popular work was on "The Huntley-Brinkley Report" television news program, which aired on NBC from 1956 to 1970. This show was an iconic part of American broadcast journalism history, with Brinkley co-anchoring alongside Chet Huntley. People appreciated the programme for its serious yet accessible reporting style which earned it several Emmy Awards and made it a viewer favorite during its run. Importantly, the catchphrase, "Good night, Chet. Good night, David," became one of the most famous sign-offs in television history.

How Did David Brinkley Get Famous?

David Brinkley gained fame as an American newscaster for NBC and ABC in a career lasting over 50 years. His distinctive style and wit on the top-rated "Huntley-Brinkley Report" turned him into a national figure. Known for his succinct reporting, dry wit and thoughtful analysis, Brinkley won numerous Emmy and Peabody Awards. His ability to communicate complex issues clearly to a general audience, gave him a reputation for credibility and dependability, making him famous in the realm of broadcast journalism.