And That’s The Way It Is: Remembering Walter Cronkite

On Saturday, we lost yet another true American legend: former CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite. Those of us who were not alive during the 60s and 70s, the heyday of his career, can’t completely understand what made Cronkite such an icon, but we can all feel the sorrow around us as a result of his passing.

By Marisa

So why was Cronkite billed as the most trusted man in American during his tenure at CBS? If you look at his résumé, it is quite impressive; Cronkite reported on several historic (and tragic) events, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. His brand of journalism – “report the news, don’t become it” – has been praised by his contemporaries as well as by today’s top journalists. His coverage of the following events makes him a journalism legend:

Kennedy assassination
Cronkite is perhaps best known for breaking the news of the Kennedy assassination live on November 22, 1963. The footage of the broadcast is fascinating to watch; in spite of the nature of the story (as it is the first time such news was broadcast on live television), Cronkite maintained his composure and reported as a journalist should, although there was noticeable emotion in his voice after he read the official AP bulletin reporting that JFK was dead.

Vietnam War coverage
In February of 1968, Cronkite reported on the aftermath of the Tet Offensive from Vietnam. When he returned, he filed an editorial report confirming that the situation in Vietnam was not close to victory, but rather a difficult stalemate out of which the U.S. would have to negotiate. After the story aired, President Lyndon Johnson reportedly said, “If I’ve lost Cronkite, I’ve lost Middle America.” Johnson did not seek reelection that year.

Apollo 11 Lunar Landing mission
Cronkite is known for his often enthusiastic coverage of the U.S. space program. On July 20, 1969, the historic day that man first set foot on the moon, Cronkite was noticeably excited, seen on camera rubbing his hands together and smiling. Cronkite criticized himself for being unprofessional during that broadcast.

Watergate scandal
Although Cronkite’s reporting on Watergate was “nothing new,” according to a 2006 PBS documentary, he is credited with informing the American public of the situation, bringing together a range of reporting to do so.

Death of Lyndon Johnson
Cronkite was one of the first to receive the news of Johnson’s death on January 22, 1973. Johnson’s press secretary called Cronkite personally to inform him. When CBS cut to Cronkite for the report, he was still on the phone with the press secretary and held up his finger, signaling that he was still listening for more information. He relayed the details to the public when the press secretary was finished.