Walter Cronkite

About

Walter Cronkite was an esteemed American journalist and news anchor, often dubbed the "most trusted man in America". He was born on November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri, and began his career in journalism in the 1930s. Cronkite is best known for his 19-year tenure as the anchor and managing editorIn film or television, an editor assembles various shots into a coherent sequence to create the fina... of CBS Evening News, from 1962 to 1981. During his prolific career, he covered crucial events such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Moon landing, and the Vietnam WarA genre concerned with warfare, typically about naval, air, or land battles, with strong themes of s.... Known for his honest and balanced reporting, Cronkite played a significant role in shaping broadcast journalism. Cronkite passed away on July 17, 2009, leaving behind a significant legacy in the world of news media.

Associated With

Walter Cronkite, also known as "the most trusted man in America," had a profound influence on the media industry and interacted with multiple prominent figures throughout his career. As a longstanding figurehead of CBS News, he worked with and influenced numerous journalists, anchors, and reporters, including the likes of Dan Rather, Mike Wallace, and Morley Safer. He also interacted with various renowned figures in the entertainment industry, interviewing icons such as The BeatlesAbbey Road and sharing a notable rapport with late-night host Johnny Carson, contributing to his public persona. While it's not well-known for his personal life or relationships, Cronkite's professionalism, integrity, and passion for delivering news made him a significant figure among his peers and the public, shaping the face of broadcast journalism.

Career Highlights

• 1937-39: Walter Cronkite starts his career in journalism as a sports announcer for WKY Radio in Oklahoma City.
• 1940-42: Cronkite moves to United Press International where he becomes a war correspondent covering World War II and the Nuremberg trials.
• 1950: He covers the Korean War for CBS News, which marks his career shift to television news.
• 1953: Cronkite becomes CBS' Washington correspondent and starts making a name for himself on national television.
• 1962-81: He serves as CBS Evening News anchor, earning the nickname "The Most Trusted Man in America".
• 1963: He famously announced the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on live television.
• 1969: Cronkite provides extensive coverage of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing, which became one of his most memorable broadcasts.
• 1977: He receives the DuPont Columbia Award for his Watergate coverage (Award received in 1978).
• 1980: Covers the Iran Hostage Crisis extensively, keeping viewers informed throughout the 444-day ordeal.
• 1981: Cronkite steps down as CBS Evening News anchor after 19 years on the job.
• 1981: He is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan (Award received in 1981).
• 1993: In recognition of his outstanding career, he is inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame (Inducted in 1993).
• 2009: Walter Cronkite dies at the age of 92, but leaves behind an unmatched legacy in the field of journalism.

Notable Awards

• Walter Cronkite, the renowned American broadcast journalist, had an illustrious career during which he received numerous awards and honors for his work. Some of his notable awards include:
• Emmy AwardsAnnual awards recognizing excellence in the television industry, presented by the Academy of Televis...: Cronkite won several Emmy Awards for his journalistic work.
• Peabody Award: He won two of these. One in 1952 for his daily news reports and again in 1962 for his commitment to excellence which set high standards of responsible, meaningful broadcast journalism.
• Academy of Achievement’s Golden Plate Award: Awarded in 1969.
• Presidential Medal of Freedom: This is the highest civilian award in the United States. Cronkite received it in 1981 from President Jimmy Carter.
• Paul White Award: Cronkite was the recipient of the Paul White Award in 1971, awarded by the Radio Television Digital News Association.
• NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal: He received this in 2002. It is the highest form of recognition by NASA for non-government personnel.
• Induction into the Television Hall of Fame: Cronkite was among the first group of inductees into the Television Hall of Fame in 1984.
• Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism: This award is given by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. Though not received by Cronkite himself, it was named in his honor.
• Four Freedoms Award for Freedom of Speech: Awarded in 1983.
• He also received honorary degrees from numerous universities such as Emory University, Dartmouth College, and Hamilton College, among others.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Walter Cronkite Movie/TV Show?

Walter Cronkite is most popularly known for his work in television journalism, particularly his time as the anchorman for the "CBS Evening News" from 1962 until 1981. During his tenure, Cronkite reported on many significant events in American history such as the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., the moon landing, Vietnam War, and Watergate scandal. His signoff phrase, "And that's the way it is," became a catchphrase across America. Although he appeared in various TV shows and movies in cameo roles, "CBS Evening News" remains the most significant and popular offering of his career.

How Did Walter Cronkite Get Famous?

Walter Cronkite gained fame as a journalist and long-serving news anchor for CBS News from 1962 to 1981. His distinctive broadcast style, on-the-ground reporting, and credibility garnered him adulation and respect within the American public. Particularly notable was his live broadcast coverage of major historical events, such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the moon landing, and the Vietnam War. Cronkite was frequently referred to as "the most trusted man in America," underscoring his reputation for delivering news with authority and integrity.