• An icon In the early 1970s, a poll named Walter Cronkite – who took great pains to provide objective information to viewers – to be the most trusted public figure in America. It was not an honor he gained lightly. Cronkite was a leading figure in an era where TV had reached a saturation point. He died yesterday at the age of 92.
• His career Cronkite was recruited for CBS in 1950 by fellow iconic newsman Edward R. Murrow. Cronkite’s political convention coverage made him stand out, as did his ability to sit at his anchor chair for huge periods – 18 hours for the Apollo 11 landing alone. Cronkite retired from that desk in 1981, having spent nearly 20 years there.
• His opinionsMost notable about Cronkite, however, were the rare moments where he allowed the glare of an occasional piece of editorial or emotion in. The moments, ranking from commentary on the Vietnam War to the deaths of political and cultural icons, really set him apart in an era in need of a trusted source. And that’s the way it is. source

Posted by Ernie Smith • Permalink