Walter Cronkite
Walter Cronkite (Walter Leland Cronkite Jr.) was born on November 4th, 1916. Walter passed away July 17th, 2009 at 92 years old. Walter Cronkite was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, USA. Cronkite attended the University of Texas at Austin.
Walter Cronkite was an American journalist and the CBS News anchor from 1962-1981. He reported on major events such as the reporting when John F. Kennedy was assassinated and the moon landing of Apollo 11. In addition, Walter reported on the Watergate scandal which resulted in the resignation of then-president Richard Nixon. Water was dubbed as the
the most trusted man in America as thousands across the country tuned in to listen to his coverage of the Vietnam War.
Cronkite’s book
A Reporter’s Life was published in 1997 by Ballantine Books. The 384-page memoirs explore Cronkite’s years in journalism and his experiences with the Civil Rights Movement, D-Day, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and NASA’s first moon landing, among other experiences. The book also shares personal experiences with presidents Richard Nixon and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
From 1962 to 1981, Cronkite was a household name across the United States in the world of news reporting. People across America viewed him as the most accurate and trusted news reporter. However, true journalism standards are not measured by the audience but rather by fellow journalists. According to this measure, Cronkite had the highest standard in his profession.
His book
A Reporter’s Life gives us a glimpse into the world of journalism. He reflects on the early days of TV news and gives the readers a firsthand experience of major historical events. Through his literary works, Cronkite gives us a behind-the-scenes picture of the influential figures in the world of politics, journalism, and world affairs while at the same time giving the readers a dire warning about the future of democracy and news reporting.
The author expresses his concerns over the ever-changing world of broadcast news from its original mission of providing information to the public to profit prioritization. While there has always been competition in the world of news media, the rise of media powerhouses such as FOX, CNN, and Al Jazeera has significantly transformed the industry’s focus. Cronkite warns us that democracy highly depends on two key factors: the informed public and the free press.
But as we’ve witnessed, modern news networks focus on entertainment rather than hard reporting. Budget cuts have also significantly affected foreign news coverage which has left the public with less reliable information.
Cronkite reminds the reader that before TV, 95% of Americans heavily relied on newspapers. However, today’s media heavily populated with short news clips and soundbites has almost entirely replaced in-depth analysis which has resulted in either a misinformed or uninformed public. Therefore, this lack of knowledge significantly affects the quality of leadership in the country.
Overall,
A Reporter’s Life is not just a story about Cronkite, it’s a warning to all Americans. If the citizens don’t demand better and more informed coverage, then the consequences for democracy could be severe.
Walter Cronkite: Lists & Other Mentions
- A Reporter's Life was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1996 and 1997.
Walter Cronkite: F.A.Q
When was Walter Cronkite Born?
Walter Cronkite was born on November 4th, 1916.
When did Walter Cronkite die?
Walter Cronkite died on July 17th, 2009 at 92 years old.
Where was Walter Cronkite Born?
Walter Cronkite was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, USA.
What was the first book Walter Cronkite wrote?
The first book written by Walter Cronkite was The Challenges Of Change, published in 1971.
What was the most recent book Walter Cronkite wrote?
His most recently released work was A Reporter's Life on January 1st, 1998.
How many books has Walter Cronkite written?
Walter Cronkite has written 3 books. All of his books are Non-Fiction Books.