Walter Cronkite

Easton Press Walter Cronkite books

Around America - signed first edition - 2001

 

Journalist Walter Cronkite

Walter Leland Cronkite Jr., an iconic figure in American journalism, was born on November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He would go on to become one of the most trusted and influential news anchors in the history of American television. Known for his calm demeanor, authoritative voice, and commitment to journalistic integrity, Cronkite earned the nickname "The Most Trusted Man in America." Cronkite's early experiences in journalism included reporting for various newspapers, including the Houston Post and the United Press. He gained firsthand experience during World War II as a war correspondent, covering notable events such as the Battle of the Bulge.

In 1950, Cronkite joined CBS News, where he became the host of the network's political affairs program You Are There and later the host of The Morning Show. His career trajectory changed significantly in 1962 when he took on the role of anchoring the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. Over the next two decades, he would become a staple in American living rooms, delivering the news with gravitas and trustworthiness. Walter Cronkite's reporting covered a wide array of significant events, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the Vietnam War, the moon landing in 1969, and the Watergate scandal that led to President Richard Nixon's resignation in 1974. His closing sign-off, "And that's the way it is," became an iconic symbol of reliable news reporting.

Beyond his role as an anchor, Cronkite was actively involved in shaping the standards and ethics of journalism. He retired from the "CBS Evening News" in 1981, leaving an indelible mark on the field. Outside of journalism, Walter Cronkite was an advocate for space exploration and served on the board of directors for the Freedom of Information Center. His numerous accolades include the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which he received in 1981. Walter Cronkite passed away on July 17, 2009, at the age of 92. His legacy remains as a symbol of journalistic excellence and integrity, and his contributions to the field continue to inspire generations of journalists who seek to uphold the principles of responsible and unbiased reporting.

Walter Cronkite sign off

Walter Cronkite's iconic sign-off at the end of his broadcasts became a well-known and reassuring part of American television history. After delivering the news, Cronkite would typically close with the phrase:

"And that's the way it is."

This sign-off, delivered with his calm and trustworthy demeanor, became synonymous with Cronkite's commitment to factual and unbiased reporting. It conveyed a sense of authority and integrity, reinforcing his reputation as "The Most Trusted Man in America" during his tenure as the anchor of the CBS Evening News. Walter Cronkite used this sign-off regularly throughout his career, and it left an enduring legacy in the world of broadcast journalism.

 

Around America - A Tour of Our Magnificent Coastline

America has nearly five thousand miles of coastline. What would it be like to travel from the islands of Maine to the stepping-stones of the Florida Keys; from the cliffs of the Pacific Northwest to the beaches of southern California; and around the Gulf Coast, where our major rivers reach the sea?

Here we travel with Walter Cronkite, our trusted guide. At Maine's eastern tip, we find a British warship captured during the Revolution by the citizens of Machias, wielding pitchforks because they had no muskets. We visit islands along Texas's coastline, exploring a sanctuary for migratory birds. And we visit Fort Ross, on California's Redwood Coast, a replica of the 1812 Russian settlement begun as a fur trading post, with dreams of expanding the Russian empire.

In this compelling travelogue we can almost hear Cronkite talking, his smooth cadences spinning stories about the coastline he loves.