From 1962 to 1981, Walter Cronkite served as the anchor for the CBS Evening News, establishing himself as a central figure in American broadcasting. Through his objective reporting on global conflicts and historical milestones, he became a defining presence in television journalism, known for his signature closing phrase, "And that's the way it is."
Formative Years in Texas
Born in 1916 in St. Joseph, Missouri, Cronkite moved with his family to Houston, Texas, at age ten. His early education took place at the Ella J. Baker Montessori School, Lanier Junior High, and San Jacinto High School. He enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin in 1933, where he contributed to the Daily Texan and performed in campus theatrical productions. He left his studies in 1935 to pursue a professional career in reporting, focusing on news and sports.
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Cronkite’s initial professional steps involved radio announcing for WKY in Oklahoma City and later for KCMO in Kansas City, where he used the pseudonym Walter Wilcox. In 1937, he joined United Press International. During World War II, he gained prominence as a war correspondent. He reported on Operation Torch while aboard the USS Texas and flew on B-17 bombing raids with the Army Air Forces. His post-war work included covering the Nuremberg trials and managing the United Press bureau in Moscow from 1946 to 1948.
Television and Public Trust
In 1950, Cronkite joined CBS News, initially reporting from the network's affiliate in Washington, D.C. He anchored programs such as Up to the Minute and hosted the historical reenactment series You Are There. Over the following decades, he reported on major events including the Watergate scandal, the Iran hostage crisis, and the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and John Lennon. During the 1960s and 1970s, opinion polls frequently identified him as the most trusted individual in the United States.
Space Exploration Coverage
Cronkite’s career was defined by his sustained coverage of the American space program. His broadcasts spanned the duration of Project Mercury, the lunar landings, and the Space Shuttle program. His dedication to documenting these technological advancements resulted in him being the only non-NASA individual to receive the Ambassador of Exploration award.
Fast facts
- Born: 1916, St. Joseph, Missouri
- Died: 2009, New York City
- Primary Occupation: News presenter and journalist
- Education: University of Texas at Austin
- Notable Recognition: Presidential Medal of Freedom (1981)
- Professional Membership: American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Burial Site: Mount Moriah Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Which major honors did Walter Cronkite receive?
His awards include the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the George Polk Award, two Peabody Awards, and the Nierenberg Prize.
What was Cronkite's role during World War II?
He served as a war correspondent, reporting on European operations, flying on bombing missions, and covering the Nuremberg trials.
Achievements
- Presidential Medal of Freedom — 1981
- Educated at University of Texas at Austin and Ella J. Baker Montessori School
- Worked as journalist and news presenter
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