# Walter Cronkite

> American broadcast journalist (1916-2009)

**Wikidata**: [Q31073](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q31073)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Cronkite)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/walter-cronkite

## Summary
Walter Cronkite was an American broadcast journalist (1916–2009) best known as the anchor of *CBS Evening News* for 19 years, shaping American news media and public discourse during major historical events.

## Biography
- Born: November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Arts in journalism, University of Missouri (1937)
  - Master of Arts in journalism, University of Missouri (1938)
  - Doctorate in journalism, University of Missouri (1940)
- Known for: Defining the role of the evening news anchor and anchoring *CBS Evening News* for 19 years
- Employer(s): CBS News (1952–1981), University of Texas at Austin (Moody College of Communication)
- Field(s): Broadcast journalism, news presentation

## Contributions
- Anchored *CBS Evening News* from 1962 to 1981, becoming the longest-serving anchor in U.S. television history.
- Covered major historical events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the Watergate scandal.
- Established the "Cronkite Style" of news reporting, characterized by calm delivery and factual presentation.
- Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1976) and the George Polk Award (1977) for his journalism.

## FAQs
**What was Walter Cronkite's most famous role?**
Walter Cronkite is best known as the anchor of *CBS Evening News* from 1962 to 1981, a role that defined the evening news format and made him a household name.

**Where did Walter Cronkite work?**
He worked for CBS News, where he anchored *CBS Evening News*, and later taught at the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin.

**What awards did Walter Cronkite receive?**
He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1976), the George Polk Award (1977), and was inducted into the Library of Congress Living Legends.

**What was Walter Cronkite's educational background?**
He earned a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctorate in journalism from the University of Missouri.

**How long did Walter Cronkite anchor *CBS Evening News*?**
He anchored the show for 19 years, from 1962 to 1981, setting a record for the longest-serving anchor in U.S. television history.

## Why They Matter
Walter Cronkite revolutionized evening news broadcasting by establishing a professional, factual, and authoritative tone that set the standard for future anchors. His calm delivery and thorough reporting made him a trusted voice during major historical events, shaping public perception of news media. His influence extended beyond journalism, as his style became a benchmark for news presentation worldwide. Without Cronkite, the role of the evening news anchor would have evolved differently, and American television news would have lacked his enduring legacy.

## Notable For
- Longest-serving anchor of *CBS Evening News* (19 years, 1962–1981)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient (1976)
- George Polk Award winner (1977)
- Library of Congress Living Legend (honorary induction)
- Defined the "Cronkite Style" of news reporting
- Covered major historical events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and Watergate scandal
- Educator at the Moody College of Communication, University of Texas at Austin

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. was born on November 4, 1916, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He pursued a rigorous academic path in journalism, earning a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctorate in journalism from the University of Missouri. His early career included stints at radio stations in Missouri and Kansas, where he honed his reporting skills.

### Career at CBS News
Cronkite joined CBS News in 1952 and became the anchor of *CBS Evening News* in 1962, succeeding Walter Cronkite Sr. He held the position for 19 years, setting a record that remains unmatched. His tenure spanned major historical events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), the Vietnam War, and the Watergate scandal (1972–1974). His calm, measured delivery and thorough reporting established the "Cronkite Style," which became the gold standard for evening news anchors.

### Awards and Recognition
Cronkite received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1976) and the George Polk Award (1977). He was also inducted into the Library of Congress Living Legends, an honor reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture. His work was recognized for its professionalism, accuracy, and enduring influence on news media.

### Later Life and Legacy
After leaving CBS in 1981, Cronkite continued to teach at the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin. He remained active in journalism and public affairs until his death on July 17, 2009. His legacy endures as a pioneer of broadcast journalism, shaping the role of the evening news anchor and influencing generations of reporters. His name remains synonymous with trustworthy, authoritative news reporting.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Genealogics
4. Find a Grave
5. Presidential Medal of Freedom Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony
6. [Walter Cronkite - Living Legends. Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/about/awards-and-honors/living-legends/walter-cronkite/)
7. [Source](https://murrow.wsu.edu/symposium/the-edward-r-murrow-achievement-award/)
8. [Source](https://www.nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/walter-cronkite/)
9. [Alamogordo. El Paso Times. 1996](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29963803/el_paso_times/)
10. [Trustees Award – The Emmys](https://theemmys.tv/trusteesaward/)
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. CiNii Research
14. MusicBrainz
15. NNDB
16. SNAC
17. Internet Broadway Database
18. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
19. Discogs
20. GeneaStar
21. Babelio
22. Proleksis Encyclopedia
23. Croatian Encyclopedia
24. Munzinger Personen
25. [Source](http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/17/eveningnews/main5170556.shtml)
26. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
27. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
28. Quora
29. The Movie Database
30. [Source](http://www.f5jni.com/divers.html)