The Most Trusted. Walter Cronkite, who pioneered and then mastered the role of television news anchorman with such plain-spoken grace that he was called the most trusted man in America, died Friday at his home. Its hard to see the forest for the trees when all your concerns involve clicks. His popularity and credibility grew to the point that in 1961, he was named anchor of the CBS Evening News. Like Cronkite, integrity and honesty are at the core of Media Showers approach to communication. 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. Cronkite, born November 4, 1916, got his start in journalism working as a radio announcer for a series of stations in Missouri. Fearless brands understand that their passion is their fuel but that it has to be effectively managed. Legendary CBS newsman Walter Cronkite, KB2GSD, who held the title of "Most Trusted Man in America," passed away Friday, July 17 after a long illness. <p>'The most trusted man in America's fan mail was still . And this security guard just will not let me back into the building." Walter Cronkite, former CBS anchor known as "Uncle Walter," has died. 6.26.2012 11:34 AM. He was an inspiration because he was one of the first household name reporters to have come out of television. McLaughlin, who . 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. Without such faith, democracy cannot flourish. His voice was always calm and true. "Everybody knew that Walter didn't get his suntan in the studio lights." Cronkite. New eBook from Charles H. Green, loaded with insights and action steps on how to get back in the selling water, without fear. Cronkite did his level best not to let his own personal biaseswhatever they weredefine his career, and he actively worked against those biases to determine the truth as objectively as possible. Charles L. Ponce de Leon February 1, 2013. Just doing the news -- the live performance -- wasn't important. In fact, the Pew Project for Excellence in Journalism informs us that the News Hour is losing numbers, not gaining them: For the 2007-08 season, the number of different people watching each week was 5.5 million, down from the previous seasons 6.1 million. According to PBS research, the viewers are migrating to cable news, a fate that trusted Walter would probably be suffering today if he were still reading from the teleprompter. Advertising Notice Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri. This means not just that he didn't tell lies, but that he was a truth-seekerhe sought to tell the whole truth. Want to know that youre right? The average senator scored 67 percent in the survey, and President Richard Nixoneasily the least trustworthy animal ever to walk on two legsreceived 57 percent, as did Hubert Humphrey. During his time at CBS, he was selected for the Television Hall of Fame, being only the second newsman to ever be chosen, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter. #3 Integrity. In his day, truth mattered above all else. 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. This is the process of discovering, embracing and delivering their greatest value which allows them to realize greater profit. For 19 years, beginning in 1962 . Though Rather never said so publicly, CBS News insiders said he did not approve of her appointment. Yet the "most trusted man in America" seemed rather pleased he wasn't recognized at his own front door. Oprah Winfrey: Overcoming Adversity to Become a Master Communicator, How Zappos Used Customer Engagement to Build a $2B Brand. These results came about because Walter Cronkite was a fearless brand. And it wasn't fluffyit was very clear. Cronkite was known for his calming presence and his ability to communicate complex events to the average viewer, who trusted "Uncle Walter" to explain the major events of the era. Alas, the NewsHours Cronkite-lite approach has failed to attract much of an audience. 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. Walter Cronkite defined the role of a newsman on television. A new biography of Walter Cronkite reveals the less trustworthy side of the most trusted man in America. One Womans Charge Change How News is Reported. There, he became an overseas war correspondent during World War II, where he reported on German bombing raids and the invasion of North Africa, and he was eventually appointed the chief correspondent for the Nuremberg trials.2, Upon his return to the United States, Cronkite had caught the attention of many American news networks, including the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). He hosted programs such as You Are There and The Twentieth Century. Coach, International Speaker and Thought Partner - Bills mission is to add value to the world one brand at a time. He never allowed his broader passion to diminish and die. Cookie Policy One of the key reasons was his integrity. Cronkite went off to become a news editor for United Press International (UPI). "(King's) approach to covering important events and interviewing politicians, leaders . Walter smiled modestly. It's chockablock with how-to's, practical tips and successful trust-building ideas. Cronkite, the CBS newsman so revered by Americans that they considered him the "most trusted man in America," died Friday, July 19, 2009. . Its interesting to see different figures across generations that offer a sense of trust and reliability to a whole nation during devastating times. Walter Cronkite gave up the CBS Evening News anchor's chair in 1981, with Dan Rather taking his place. The CBS News security man began to protest but saw a murderous look in my eye and wisely let us pass. Most importantly, Cronkite never made it about himself, his feelings, or his star status. Words fail to describe the magnificence of this accomplishment. Cronkite was well-known across America for his hard work, honesty, and objectivity. Cronkite also refused to report stories until they were validated. I remember siting with my mom watching the news with her. Walter Cronkites legacy continues. I left my jacket and wallet in the studio and we're going to be on the air in a few minutes. Cronkite has changed how people deliver news forever now. Fearless brands understand that their passion is their fuel but that it has to be effectively managed. Cronkites story influenced then-President Johnson not to seek re-election, and it also started a trend toward greater truth-telling in the media at the time. For somebody of my generation, he was the pillar of American broadcast journalism, says David Ward, a historian at the National Portrait Gallery. Events, products or items Trusted Advisor recommends that may be of benefit to you, Some years ago I wrote about a Better New Years Resolution. It was pretty good, if I do say so myself. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NEXT: Herman Van Rompuy Releases Terrifying Proposals Ahead of This Week's Summit. As Lulu Guadalupe said, he truly laid out the foundation of what great newscasters should be like but alas, they are not. The security guard didn't fully believe him, but finally let Walter Cronkite in. He became the host of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. Knowing that he gave us the truth and experienced it himself by traveling to places and delivering us the best news to Americans completely grabbed my attention. His story came to an end in 2009 when he passed away at the age of 92. Speaking of papers, youd think that given Cronkites status as one of the worlds most respected and well-traveled public figures, hed draw special attention from the FBI. The avuncular Cronkite anchored CBS Evening News for 19 years until 1981 when he retired. Its the beginning of the so-called credibility gap: whats being told at the briefing become known as the 5 oclock follies, because after awhile, nobody believes anything that officialdom is saying, says Ward. Despite the fact that there was less scrutiny on the media during Cronkites time than today, he approached his career as a broadcaster with integrity and with a sense of responsibility to his viewers. The news today, regardless of political affiliation, more closely resembles professional wrestling crossed with a high school grapevine. The CBS anchor is remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism. Cronkite became a legendary figure and was often called "the most trusted man in America." Fast Facts: Walter Cronkite If You Think Im a Joke the Jokes On You! 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. to see through the carefully crafted party lineon both sidesand get to the truth of the matter. The legendary CBS anchorman was the most trusted man in America. Walter was very lucky, because soon after moving, he read an article inBoys Lifemagazine which chronicled the adventures and assignments of reporters working around the world. But those who worked . He was someone we could trust to guide us through the most . Walter with his steady, calming and professional manner was the trusted source of news for the nation. I dedicate my time to researching and raising awareness about epidemics, injustices, and other conflicts that occur in other countries. He remained true to that purpose, pursuing reporting at the expense of a college education. On the contrary, he kept that passion in check until the time was right. It isn't enough to say that he was the "most trusted man in America," as. His only agenda was his professionalism, about which he was quite clear. Walter Cronkite, longtime anchor of the CBS Evening News. To do anything else would be phony. Start spreading the news: The townhouse that formerly belonged to the late CBS anchor Walter Cronkite will hit the market for $7.7 million. Being able to read an unbiased article, or watch an unbiased news reporter just seems non-existent in todays society. Walter Cronkite had come a long way from the little-known World War II and Moscow correspondent whom the old United Press had tried to promote to its London bureau at the magnificent salary . For me, its a moment for which I long have planned, but which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness. Full red lips. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Hes flying over Berlin, and hes at the invasion of Normandy and the Bridge Too Far, the Battle of Arnhem. Walter Cronkite defined the role of a television news anchor. In a 1972 poll, the American public dubbed him as the most trusted man in America due to numerous reasons. "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. In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg, a former defense consultant, leaked the Pentagon Papers, a set of documents that provided evidence of systematic government wrongdoing and deception throughout the war. As the world saw a boot finally touch lunar dust, words briefly failed Walter Cronkite. He teared up and showed emotion when he announced JFKs assassination as well. 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. Of those attributeshonesty, selflessness, integrity, and vocal cordsperhaps its only his voice that we cannot aspire to. Then he exclaimed, "Armstrong is on the moon -- Neil Armstrong, 38-year-old American, standing on the surface of the moon." He never allowed his strong liberal leaning to affect his reporting. Erin Blakemore is a Boulder, Colorado-based journalist. As I discussed in an earlier post Want to know that youre right? He was offered a job with CBS television, which he initially turned down. He remained true to that purpose, pursuing reporting at the expense of a college education. Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. 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? 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. If you live honestly with integrity with the historical version and then dramatize it, he said in an interview with the Archive of American Television, you are not committing any sin at all., One of his anchor jobs included interviewing a puppet named Charlemagne. During a casual . Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. | Cronkite genuinely believed journalists could and must be "objective." Like obscenity, trust is awfully hard to define; but as Justice Potter said, you can recognize it when you see it. 2023 Smithsonian Magazine Cronkite was a firm believer in doing what is fair. It was very enjoyable reading about him. After all, true journalists worked in print and radio. 3.1.2023 2:50 PM, 2022 Reason Foundation | As the war raged on. Send your reasons for Cronkitian distrust to [email protected] and subscribe to my untrustworthy Twitter feed. Walter Cronkite, often referred to as Uncle Walter, delivered hard news to a nation for two decades. Despite his objective persona, it was clear to his viewers that Cronkite was a real person with real interests and feelings. One part stood out. The decade of the sixties was tumultuous including social unrest, the civil rights movement, Vietnam and the assassinations ofMartin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. Mrs. Cronkite looked at me and giggled or blushed or maybe neither. What were they? Well never knowand thats the way it is. He was the first non-astronaut ever to get the award. That move was right for Cronkite he was true to himself. Nice job! Other reasons we shouldnt have trusted Cronkite. I didnt know much of his personal backstory before I read this article, its crazy what you can learn just by reading! 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. 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