CBS Evening News: A Iconic Fixture in American Television History
On October 4, 1962, Walter Cronkite debuted as the anchor of the "CBS Evening News," marking a new era in American television journalism. Now, nearly 60 years later, the show continues to captivate audiences with its in-depth coverage of the latest news, breaking stories, and thought-provoking analysis.
Over the decades, the program has been witness to some of the most pivotal moments in American history, including the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., the Watergate scandal, and the September 11 attacks. It has also featured countless hours of coverage of war, politics, and natural disasters, as well as breaking news and live updates from around the world.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Walter Cronkite, affectionately known as "the most trusted man in America," held court as anchor. His distinctive style, soothing baritone voice, and journalistic integrity made him an institution, with millions of Americans tuning in nightly to hear his distinctive sign-off, "And that’s the way it is."
When Cronkite retired in 1981, he was succeeded by Dan Rather, who brought a similar level of authority and gravitas to the desk. Under Rather’s leadership, the show continued to excel, with coverage of major news stories like the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the Challenger space shuttle disaster, and the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In the 2000s, Bob Schieffer and Katie Couric took the helm, introducing a new generation to the show. Schieffer, a veteran journalist and broadcaster, brought his trademark folksiness and straightforward style to the program, while Couric, as the first solo female anchor of the CBS Evening News, paved the way for future generations of women in broadcasting.
In recent years, CBS Evening News has continued to adapt to the ever-changing media landscape, incorporating social media, streaming, and other new technologies into its reporting and programming. Under the anchorship of Jeff Glor, who has been leading the show since 2015, the program has maintained its high standards of journalistic excellence, reporting on stories that matter to audiences across the country.
As it celebrates its diamond anniversary, CBS Evening News remains an indispensable part of American life, a source of information, insight, and perspective on the world around us. Its enduring commitment to factual reporting, balance, and objectivity has earned the trust of viewers, who count on the program to keep them informed about the most important stories of the day.
As Cronkite famously said, "The pursuit of truth is man’s greatest undertaking." CBS Evening News has spent six decades and counting honoring that pursuit, shining a light on the news, and holding leaders accountable. And as long as it continues to do so, it will remain an institution worthy of its revered place in the pantheon of American television news.
