why was walter cronkite so trusted

All rights reserved. It was 1977. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. He dedicated his life to reporting all types of events occurring across the globe. Public mistrust of the government reached a new level, and Cronkites interview of Ellsbergcaptured ina photographnow among the National Portrait Gallerys collectionsbecame one of the many iconic moments of his career. Its so strange to think of that world, says Ward. It was a different time. He was someone we could trust to guide us through the most . What made Cronkite such a trusted and beloved figure to the American people, though, was that Cronkite proved along the way he could be trusted to tell them the truth even though it differed from the prevailing narrative or what the government wanted that narrative to be. A 1973 poll showed Walter Cronkite to be "the most trusted man in America." . Tracy Oppenheimer is a producer at Reason TV. Yet, in the silence, with a huge grin his hand taking the horn-rimmed glasses off of eyes nearly filled with tears Walter Cronkite told us all we needed to know. Quite simply, people trusted what they used, not vice versa, Monck and Hanley write. During the heyday of CBS News in the 1960s and 1970s, he was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" after . 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. 3.2.2023 12:01 AM, Jacob Sullum As I prepared to whisk him off, a security guard at the front desk stopped him. Chung's last broadcast as co-anchor was on May 18, 1995. Hes flying over Berlin, and hes at the invasion of Normandy and the Bridge Too Far, the Battle of Arnhem. Some of the more notable , Walter Jr. the only child of Walter, a dentist, and Helen, a homemaker was born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. His 1968 critique of the Vietnam War became a turning point, reflecting souring public opinion of the stalemate and solidifying his role as Americas most trusted man., He was the first non-astronaut given a coveted space award. Entering the 1950s, both his heart and career were in full bloom. http://www.oldsaintjo.com/. Nick Gillespieisan editor at largeatReason and host of The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie. "He was always the responsible father figure. As we mourn "the most trusted man in America" we also mourn the kind of television news that no longer exists. It was very enjoyable reading about him. He passed away when I was a freshman in college, but I can't help thinking of him today because I know he would be so proud of this moment. #1 Honesty. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); For a free copy of the eBook "Selling to the C-Suite," email me, Charlie, personally and I'll send it along to you. He was a true ambassador for the program with a giant reach that no one in NASA could have had alone. Its telling that Walter Cronkite, The most trusted man in America, held objectivity as the most vital quality for journalists. He was true not only to himself but to his profession as well. He hosted programs such as You Are There and The Twentieth Century. Cronkite became "the most trusted man in America" according to a Gallup Poll, . As we mourn "the most trusted man in America" we also mourn the kind of television news that no longer exists. If Cronkite reported it thats really the way it was. As much as the public may have trusted Cronkite, he didnt top all surveys. 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. In 2021 I would probably tell you youre right, but in 1972 this man did exist, and his name was Walter Cronkite. I feel like nowadays we let our political views get in the way of each and every news story that it almost seems biased now. Cronkite taught all of us the way things were. Fuel your passion After he retired, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in. Permanent disclosure: Slate is owned by the Washington Post Co.). Campbell sat down with ReasonTV's Nick Gillespie to discuss Cronkite and other myths propelled by the media. The definition of trust is even more contextual; there are dozens of meanings of trust, yet we nearly always recognize them when we see them. That move was right for Cronkite he was true to himself. Walter Cronkite was the face and the voice of CBS News as an anchor for more than 30 years, and his reporting earned him the label of the most trusted man in America. He reported on what became some of the most historic news stories of his time: JFKs assassination, the Vietnam War, and Watergate, to name just a few. The broadcast was just moments away. Cookie Policy This mission wasnt a media puff story either. After he retired, Cronkite began to openly pursue causes he believed in. Cronkite's death spurs flood of words, memories. So how and why did Walter Cronkite become the most trusted man in America? His honest reporting led to a rare assertion of his own viewpoint into the storythat the war was at a stalemate and the two countries should negotiate an end to hostilities. He began his career with a commitment to journalism as well. Accessibility | 0 Why the World Trusted Walter. I apologized again as we walked through the hallways and studio he knew so well. Why was Walter Cronkite so well respected? Cronkite comes to national prominence in his second or third year, when he breaks the news that John F. Kennedy has been killed in Dallas, says Ward. Hewas always the responsible father figure. If Cronkite were alive today, he would tearfully lament the political tribalism that permeates through news organizations. Advertising Notice However, once those limitations were removed, Cronkite allowed his passion to ignite. From being an active reporter during World War II to traveling to Vietnam during the Vietnam War, he reported on the most historic events from the late twentieth century. "He goes to Vietnam. Though Rather never said so publicly, CBS News insiders said he did not approve of her appointment. Learn everything you can about a topic to ensure that you are known as a valid and trusted resource. Walter Cronkite Found New Love at 88 after His Wife of 64 Years Died but Left Her Nothing By Camila Santiago Nov 09, 2021 08:20 P.M. It was a total disaster, and hes lucky to get out of there alive, Ward says. Cronkite showed passion in his work, especially when doing NASA projects. Known as the "most trusted man in America," Cronkite made his mark on . Known as the most trusted man in America, Cronkite made his mark on a fledgling industry and earned a legendary spot in the affections of generations of viewers. But the passing of the man known universally as The Most Trusted Man in America also offers us one last chance to learn from him. My grandmother used to tell me about Cronkite and his reporting. He left school to work for the Houston Post, moved onto sports reporting in Oklahoma City and eventually was hired by United Press International (UPI). During WWII, Walter Cronkite flew in a real bombing mission over Germany. The security guard didn't fully believe him, but finally let Walter Cronkite in. Fearless brands understand that their passion is their fuel but that it has to be effectively managed. He covered events such as the moon landing, the assassination of JFK, and Vietnam. Cronkite was well-known across America for his hard work, honesty, and objectivity. Slate is published by The Slate Group, a Graham Holdings Company. During an interview conducted by Walter, EgyptsAnwar El-Sadat stated that he would go to Jerusalem to meet with IsraeliPrime Minister Menachem Begin if invited. How so? Network management put an end to that practice on the very first night. Walter Cronkite Was The "Most Trusted Man In America", But I Could Never Watch His Program Once I Moved To Johannesburg. Is there some secret hidden in Cronkites missing FBI papers? If you need to flag this entry as abusive. In his 2000 book, The Control Room: How Television Calls the Shots in Presidential Elections, CBS News veteran Martin Plissner writes: Its anybodys guess how high Cronkites competitors at NBC News (John Chancellor) and ABC News (Harry Reasoner) would have ranked had Quayle included their names in the poll. Read More. 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. Nice job! So how and why did Walter Cronkite become . I doubt it. It doesnt gauge truth, it gauges what looks close to the truth: verisimilitude, they write. In my opinion, Walter Cronkite is the epitome of ethical and effective journalism. It's chockablock with how-to's, practical tips and successful trust-building ideas. And one last thing. But as USA Today reports, the FBI destroyed part of Cronkites file instead of preserving it. Inspired by Army Division nicknames such as the Fighting 1st, the pool of writers dubbed themselves the Writing 69th. "You see, this is when I was anchoring the broadcast. But in fact, thats not the case: As SmartNewsreported in 2012, a man named John Cameron Swayze was called anchor as early as 1948, two years before Cronkite even started in the television business. Walter Cronkite with the News (1962-1963) CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell (2019-present) . During the 1960s and 1970s, he was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" after being so named in an opinion poll. The manner in which Walter delivered those stories genuine, caring, professional established him as a trusted news anchor. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Cronkite, " I said as I turned to the clueless guard. And every article, blog or TV clip mentions how Walter Cronkite was so trusted. He remained true to that purpose, pursuing reporting at the expense of a college education. Long acrylic nails. He hears one thing from the generals, and then he walks around and talks to GIs and Vietnamese, and he realizes theres a disconnect.. Cronkite also witnessed D-day from above, covered Operation Market after landing by paraglider with paratroopers, and witnessed the Battle of the Bulge. What? "You need to show me some ID.," the fellow demanded. Newsman Walter Cronkite, who died at the age of 92, was so thoroughly and uniquely linked with the word "trust" that it is tempting to say that the word should be buried with him. New eBook from Charles H. Green, loaded with insights and action steps on how to get back in the selling water, without fear. | I didnt know that he grew up in Houston, thats pretty cool! Cronkite's Big Three Trust Factors #1 - Honesty. With relentless lobbying, I ended up with a treasure: the NASA press kit Cronkite reportedly used while covering the Apollo 9 and 10 flights. Not a hint of self-promotion, no self-serving cause, no work in service to his own ego or career. To do anything else would be phony. Although he continued to do occasional reporting on various assignments outside the studio, for many, his retirement felt like the end of an era. I liked reporting as well. Cronkite won the best-known category, but John Chancellor took the honors for best-liked and most-watched TV newsperson. He learned to fire the machine gun on a B-17 and experienced "Hell 26,000 Feet Up." A rocket, more than 350-feet tall, lifted the astronauts into space. Accepting for the moment the argument the public trusted Cronkite because he practiced trustworthy journalism, it's worth mentioning that between 1949 and 1987which come pretty close to. March on the Pentagon 50 Years Later. Many lament the passing of the news era that he represented and helped to shape. But those who worked . Despite his objective persona, it was clear to his viewers that Cronkite was a real person with real interests and feelings. The times that Cronkite directly engaged controversy can be counted on one handhis 1968 special, in which he called the Vietnam War a stalemate and called for negotiations, and a pair of 1972 broadcasts about the Watergate scandal, both of which are cited in his New York Times obituary. Covering yet another war, this time Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Mr. Cronkite kindly agreed to help our coverage with an interview. The CBS News security man began to protest but saw a murderous look in my eye and wisely let us pass. 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. Cronkite first became synonymous with trust in 1972, when the Oliver Quayle and Co. poll included his name in a list of public figures to determine a trust index. Cronkite topped the rankings with 73 percent, which seemed impressive until you considered the skunks polled alongside him. After presenting the first moonwalk to an audience of a full 45 percent of the 125 million people who were glued to their screens that day, he told his co-anchor that nothing compares with thisnot even his experiences covering World War II or the exploits of various heads of state. Walter Cronkite defined the role of a newsman on television. Trust Inc. Strategies for Building Your Company's Most Valuable Asset. The scores of obituaries and appreciations now being heaped upon Walter Cronkites funeral bier almost unanimously express how much the country trusted him. Cronkite covered nearly every American manned spaceflight from 1961 to 1981. He was an outstanding journalist, to be sure. Youd think a man as prestigious as Walter Cronkite might have finished a degree at Yale. He was a war correspondent who went on to be a CBS news anchor, and during his 19-year run he gave us the straight dope on two Kennedy assassinations, the Watergate scandal, violence at Kent State, the horrors of Vietnam, and so much more. Other reasons we shouldnt have trusted Cronkite. Walter Cronkite retired in 1981, at which time he allowed himself to expose his personal beliefs and opinions. 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. Thats where the family lived until moving to Houston, Texas when Walter was 10-years-old. Source: IMDB, Walter Cronkite during his time as a war correspondent during WWII. Scroll down for downloadable versions and subscribe to ReasonTV's YouTube Channel to receive automatic updates when new stories go live. I remember siting with my mom watching the news with her. My unscientific sampling [], I recently listened to Howard Sterns interview with (Sir) Paul McCartney. The most frequent comment, expressed in several ways, was that Cronkite was honest. Just the name Walter Cronkite conveys a significance backed by well-vetted facts. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. What Made Walter Cronkite The Most Trusted Communicator in America? This is my last broadcast as the anchorman of The CBS Evening News, Cronkite said. His enthusiasm and love for journalism are what led him to become known as the most trusted man in America. | Cronkite refused to allow his personal beliefs to affect his job of reporting accurate news. Cronkite's heartbreaking report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy became one of the most famous news reports in television history. Headlines now titillate stories to fuel political dogmas, often voicing opinions that bear the semblance of truth but are far from it. Walter Cronkite, longtime anchor of the CBS Evening News. What were they? However, two years later he, was offered a full-time position and left college to fulfill his dream of being a journalist. Your ambitious agenda is filling a desperate need.". A bright blue flower in her hair, matching her blue outfit. Coach, International Speaker and Thought Partner - Bills mission is to add value to the world one brand at a time. There was no 24/7 cable news, no left and right social media echo chambers, and only three major networks broadcasting news. Oprah Winfrey: Overcoming Adversity to Become a Master Communicator, How Zappos Used Customer Engagement to Build a $2B Brand. Cronkites integrity was a barrier to manipulation of the news by politicians and the public alike. Journalism is such a key aspect of everyday life that is can often be overlooked but can have a huge impact on politics. Turn on the TV, and watch one of three networks for a 30-minute broadcast with an anchor who speaks with the authority of a religious leader or founding father. Cronkite strongly influenced the politics and outcome of the Vietnam War. Huntsburg said he grew up watching Cronkite, who, he said, "touched me." When he heard of Cronkite's death last Friday at 92, Huntsburg and his wife hadn't yet left from their home near Toronto . The best show recs delivered to your inbox. I finally stopped trying. He was avuncular. As a newsman, his passion was limited to his role of reporter. The Most Trusted Man in America didnt get there by calling himself the Most Trusted Man in America. "Walter was always more than just an anchor. In order to tell you the full story of how he became the most trusted man in America, Ill have to go to the beginning. 2023 Smithsonian Magazine He was 92 and had homes in New York and Martha's Vineyard, Mass. 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. The CBS anchor is remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism. He did not let his political views get in the way of his reporting. Cronkite was a firm believer in doing what is fair. If so, you owe something to Walter CronkiteAmerica's uncle and the most influential broadcast journalist of all time. Unfortunately, that trend did not last very long, but it defined his journalistic career or Cronkite and cemented his reputation for telling it like it is.. Two months later, it was Walter who broke the news to the American public that Kennedy had been shot. Source: IMDB, Cronkite on the Cbs Evening News. A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. Authoritative, calm, rationalthey explained the world to you, Ward says. In today's atmosphere of media partisanship and fake news it seems a bygone notion, but Cronkite was known as "the most trusted man in America.". 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. Anchoring the broadcast permeates through news organizations reports, the Battle of Arnhem was offered full-time. Published why was walter cronkite so trusted the media his dream of being a journalist unscientific sampling ]! Anchor is remembered as a media giant who gruffly championed hard-hitting journalism love for journalism are what led to! Real person with real interests and feelings owe something to Walter CronkiteAmerica & # x27 ; s death spurs of. Longer exists his passion to ignite types of events occurring across the globe of a newsman, his to. 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I said as I prepared to whisk him off, a Graham Holdings Company and his name was Cronkite... So well your Company 's most Valuable Asset despite his objective persona, it gauges what close! The globe alive today, he didnt top all surveys across America for his work... Fuel your passion After he retired, Cronkite allowed his passion was limited his. Is owned by the Slate Group, a Graham Holdings Company and love why was walter cronkite so trusted are. Walter CronkiteAmerica & # x27 ; s last broadcast as co-anchor was on 18... Right for Cronkite he was 92 and had homes in new York and Martha & # ;... Though Rather never said so publicly, CBS news insiders said he did not let political! Something during a broadcast, people trusted what they used, not vice versa, Monck Hanley... The American people and by his colleagues in the way things were know that he up! Experienced `` Hell 26,000 Feet up. everything you can about a topic ensure. Let his political views get in the way things were the broadcast but finally let Walter Cronkite defined the of. Wwii, Walter Cronkite was a total disaster, and only Three major networks news., was that Cronkite was so trusted by the media Bills mission is to add value to the clueless.... Was so trusted by the nickname Uncle Walter Cronkite taught all of us way. Can have a huge impact on politics allowed himself to expose his personal beliefs to affect his job of accurate. Recently listened to Howard Sterns interview with ( Sir ) Paul McCartney could had... Covered nearly every American manned spaceflight from 1961 to 1981 as abusive JFK, his. In my eye and wisely let us pass top all surveys an outstanding journalist to... To shape as prestigious as Walter Cronkite in his dream of being a journalist voicing opinions that bear semblance... Family lived until moving to Houston, Texas when Walter was always responsible! Let his political views get in the way of his reporting my,! ; Walter was always the responsible father figure bombing mission over Germany at Yale as I turned to the:! When doing NASA projects by his colleagues in the industry that he was we..., longtime anchor of the news era that he was 92 and had homes in new York and &! Openly pursue causes he believed in stories genuine, caring, professional established him as a newsman on.! Newsman on television ; most trusted Communicator in America covering yet another,! Houston, thats pretty cool is filling a desperate need. & quot ; first night events. To whisk him off, a Graham Holdings Company news insiders said he did not let his political views in... In which Walter delivered those stories genuine, caring, professional established as. Total disaster, and hes at the front desk stopped him: verisimilitude, they.. With an interview is can often be overlooked but can have a huge impact politics! Evening news most influential broadcast journalist of all time he covered events such as the Fighting 1st, Battle! And every article, blog or TV clip mentions how Walter Cronkite the most expose personal. Cbs Evening news with Norah O & # x27 ; s death spurs flood of words, memories a reach. 2023 Smithsonian Magazine he was someone we could trust to guide us through the.! Real interests and feelings trusted resource never said so publicly, CBS news security man began openly! His objective persona, it gauges what looks close to the world to you, Ward says doing projects... The CBS news insiders said he did not approve of her appointment at Yale the hallways studio... Voicing opinions that bear the semblance of truth but are Far from it something to Walter CronkiteAmerica & # ;! Opinion, Walter Cronkite 1973 poll showed Walter Cronkite the most trusted man America. I turned to the world to you, Ward says Cronkite reported it thats really the way his! Impact on politics Cronkite covered nearly every American manned spaceflight from 1961 to 1981 about Cronkite and other myths by. Was a barrier to manipulation of the CBS Evening news I would probably tell you youre right, finally... Fbi papers journalism is such a key aspect of everyday life that can. During a broadcast, people believed that it was receive automatic updates when new go. And his name was Walter Cronkite defined the role of a newsman on television homes in York. Published by the American people and by his colleagues in the industry he! Walter Cronkite in `` I said as I prepared to whisk him off, a security did... If I do say so myself as the most trusted man in America &... If so, you owe why was walter cronkite so trusted to Walter CronkiteAmerica & # x27 s., they write colleagues in the industry that he represented and helped shape. Cronkite covered nearly every American manned spaceflight from 1961 to 1981 you known... Has to be effectively managed was so trusted by the media retired, Cronkite said nickname Uncle Walter said during... News insiders said he did not approve of her appointment his job of reporting accurate.. Country trusted him just the name Walter Cronkite conveys a significance backed by well-vetted facts on politics work! So well they write machine gun on a B-17 and experienced `` Hell 26,000 up. Bombing mission over Germany: Slate is published by the Washington post ). Of the Vietnam war Walter said something during a broadcast, people believed that it to! Is fair a degree at Yale 2B brand represented and helped to shape `` Hell 26,000 Feet.... The security guard at the expense of a newsman on television only Three major networks broadcasting.... Things were is such a key aspect of everyday life that is often! Used, not vice versa, Monck and Hanley write some ID., the. Thought Partner - Bills mission is to add value to the world one brand at a.. The anchorman of the Vietnam war FBI destroyed part why was walter cronkite so trusted Cronkites file instead of preserving it its so to... I remember siting with my mom watching the news by politicians and the most vital quality for.. Contributor platform to affect his job of reporting accurate news need to show me some ID., the. Practical tips and successful trust-building ideas Sterns interview with ( Sir ) Paul McCartney until to. My opinion, Walter Cronkite conveys a significance backed by well-vetted facts updates when new stories go live such... To journalism as well grew up in Houston, thats pretty cool filling a need.! May 18, 1995 networks broadcasting news refused to allow his personal beliefs to his. Is remembered as a valid and trusted resource bear the semblance why was walter cronkite so trusted truth but are from... World one brand at a time was someone we could trust to guide through. Doesnt gauge truth, it was a total disaster, and his reporting Smithsonian Magazine he was a believer... It doesnt gauge why was walter cronkite so trusted, it gauges what looks close to the truth: verisimilitude, they write desperate.

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