Biography of Walter Leland Cronkite: The Most Trusted Man of America
Introduction
Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. was an American broadcast journalist who was the news anchor for the CBS Evening News for 19 years, from 1962 to 1981. Renowned as the "Most Trusted Man in America," Cronkite's presence and commitment to news presentation defined an era. From the turbulent days of the Vietnam War to the historic moon landing, Cronkite's voice resonated in living rooms across the nation, shaping public perception and setting the gold standard for broadcast journalism.
Born: November 4, 1916, Saint Joseph, Missouri, United States
Died: July 17, 2009, New York, New York, United States
Education: The University of Texas at Austin, Moody College of Communication, Lanier Middle School, Baker Montessori School, San Jacinto High School
Children: Kathy Cronkite, Walter Leland Cronkite III, and Nancy Elizabeth Cronkite
Spouse: Mary Elizabeth Maxwell Cronkite (m. 1940–2005)
Place of burial: Mount Moriah Cemetery, Missouri, United States
Early Life
Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. was born on November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri, into a middle-class family. As a young boy, Cronkite developed a keen interest in journalism and storytelling, often immersing himself in the world of newspapers and radio broadcasts. His passion for the field only grew stronger as he attended high school, where he actively participated in the school newspaper and radio club.
Growing up amidst the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, Cronkite witnessed the resilience of the American spirit. His early experiences shaped his understanding of the role of journalism in informing and connecting a nation facing unprecedented challenges.
Education and Career
After graduating from high school, Cronkite enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied political science and journalism. It was during his time at the university that he honed his writing and reporting skills. He worked as a correspondent for the Daily Texan and displayed his innate talent for succinctly capturing the essence of a story. Little did he know that these early experiences would lay the foundation for his extraordinary career in journalism.
Cronkite's education was interrupted by World War II when he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces. During his service, he worked as a correspondent for the Armed Forces Network, reporting on the war from various locations in Europe. This firsthand experience of witnessing the atrocities of war only cemented his commitment to delivering accurate and unbiased news to the public.
After the war, Cronkite returned to the University of Texas to complete his degree. Armed with a wealth of practical experience and a deep understanding of the power of journalism, he embarked on a remarkable journey that would make him one of the most well-known newsmen in American broadcasting history.
In 1950, he joined CBS News, marking the beginning of a career in broadcast journalism. From covering the Nuremberg Trials to anchoring major political conventions, Cronkite's reporting prowess and calm demeanor distinguished him as a trusted voice in the world of broadcast news.
Cronkite's talent and dedication quickly made him stand out, and he became the news anchor of the CBS Evening News in 1962. With his strong presence in the newsroom, he became the face of American news. His signature sign-off, "And that's the way it is," became more than a catchphrase; it was a commitment to delivering unbiased, factual information to the American public.
His defining moment came in 1963 when he broke the news of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. Cronkite's composed delivery and empathetic tone guided a grieving nation through one of its darkest hours, establishing him as a pillar of journalistic integrity.
Over the next 19 years, Cronkite deftly managed the 1960s and 1970s, reporting on civil rights struggles, political upheavals, and the Vietnam War. His impassioned editorial on the Tet Offensive in 1968, wherein he questioned the efficacy of the war, underscored his commitment to journalistic truth, even when challenging those in power.
Cronkite's contributions to journalism were recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, which was established in his honor.
Even after retiring as the CBS Evening News anchor in 1981, Cronkite continued to be actively involved in journalism and served as a special correspondent for the network. He remained a respected voice in the industry until his passing in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering the news with accuracy and fairness.
"There is no such thing as a little freedom. Either you are all free, or you are not free." -Walter Cronkite
Personal Life
While Cronkite's public life was one of objectivity and impartiality, his personal life reflected a warmth and affability that endeared him to friends and colleagues alike. Married to Mary Elizabeth Maxwell in 1940, the couple shared a partnership that spanned over six decades. Mary was not merely a companion but a friend who complemented Cronkite's public image with her unwavering support.
As a father to three children, Nancy, Kathy, and Walter III, Cronkite managed the delicate balance between the demands of his career and the responsibilities of family life. His children remember a father who, despite his demanding schedule, made time for family dinners and weekend outings.
Colleagues often spoke of Cronkite's sense of humor, recounting anecdotes of his quick wit and infectious laughter in the newsroom. His ability to maintain a sense of humanity amid the pressures of broadcasting contributed to the familial atmosphere that characterized the CBS News team during his tenure.
"We are not educated well enough to perform the necessary act of intelligently selecting our leaders." -Walter Cronkite
Legacy
Walter Cronkite's legacy extends far beyond journalism. His commitment to reporting with impartiality and integrity earned him the moniker "The Most Trusted Man in America." Cronkite's influence reached its zenith during the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, where his awe-struck commentary captured the nation's collective wonder as humanity took its first steps on the lunar surface.
Beyond the accolades and awards, Cronkite's legacy endures in the generations of journalists he inspired. His insistence on rigorous fact-checking, clarity of expression, and steadfast dedication to truth became a template for aspiring reporters. In the words of one of his protégés, "Cronkite didn't just report the news; he defined it."
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University stands as a living testament to his impact on the field. Established in 1984, the school continues to produce journalists who embody Cronkite's principles of accuracy, fairness, and integrity.
"In seeking truth you have to get both sides of a story." -Walter Cronkite
Conclusion
In the closing chapter of Walter Leland Cronkite Jr.'s extraordinary life, we find not just the story of a journalist but a narrative capturing the evolution of American journalism itself. From radio broadcasts in St. Joseph to the anchor desk at CBS, Cronkite's journey mirrored the changing tides of the nation he served.
As we reflect on the man who brought the news into our homes for nearly two decades, it is impossible to divorce his legacy from the broader narrative of 20th-century America. Walter Cronkite was more than a newsman; he was a trusted guide.
In the echoes of his sign-off, "And that's the way it is," we find not just a conclusion to the evening news but a testament to the enduring legacy of a journalist who shaped the way a nation understood itself. Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. remains a paragon of journalistic excellence, a beacon for those who believe in the power of truth to illuminate the path forward.
"Journalism is what we need to make democracy work." -Walter Cronkite
Most Popular Books
A Reporter's Life
South by Southeast
Conversations with Cronkite
Around America: A Tour of Our Magnificent Coastline
Westwind