Sometimes a moment comes that transports you back decades into the world of your past. I tend not to be consumed by nostalgia. As a reporter, I like to immerse myself in the present and to be prepared for the future. But every so often I can’t help but think of what was, and what then ensued.
Well Dan, I can say I've actually been waiting for you to write something about your days as CBC News Anchor, as well as your terrific colleagues - like Peter Jennings & Tom Brokaw. As for the great Walter Cronkite, reflecting on his career brings me back to days when I was a kid in Spokane, Wash. with my Mom and Dad in the '50's watching the CBS Evening News hosted by this truly great reporter. Then he was gone and you stepped in, thankfully! And we continued to watch that evening news program. I have one personal memory of you.... I estimate it was about 2 weeks after you first took that anchor chair, around the 23rd; the date on the pic you shared in this article showed March 9, 1981. At that time I was working for a company in San Francisco. Our Chairman, Jim Maloon, was from NYC and arranged that year to have quarterly Board Meetings held in NYC; the first was in March. His partner was Margery Baker of CBC News - maybe you remember her; a really lovely lady. She told us how she used to run in to Walter Cronkite in the hallways, etc. But now there was someone new in the Anchor Chair! Our second evening in the City, she asked me and another colleague - "How would you like to come into the studio and watch Dan Rather deliver the Evening News?" And what do you think we said to that?! I didn't realize at the time it was only about your second week in that role but there we were, Sheri & Joanie, watching you deliver the news live!! What a way to begin my first trip to the Big Apple. An amazing memory I will. never forget!! I was 28. Thus I am quite delighted to "reconnect" with you by subscribing to "Steady". Very thankful you are still keeping tabs on the news for us, Dan. Wishing you much good health and many blessings. - Joanie
Thank you, Dan, for being a part of the "heroic age of television news" that I grew up on in the 60's and 70's. But as important, is that you are still a part of this "historic" news period. As in the 1960's and 1970's serious attempts are being made to awaken the social consciousness of this great nation. I feel that your voice of reason and logic is needed as much now, as then, to help us all focus on what should be our main objective, to be "Steady". To respect the differences of others, to find "What Unites Us" and to arrive at the most beneficial agreements of all to further strengthen this country of ours, that this experiment in democracy may continue, stronger than ever. 🙏🏻
I enjoy reading your column because you speak of things I remember, because you and your crew write very well. Something that is missing with many who write today. Thank you being willing to write from your perspective, clearly and honestly.
Dan, I've grown up in this Golden Age of TV news, and remember watching Kronkite, and then you, with great fondness. I've been reading Glenn Greenwald, also on Substack, and wonder if you find his criticism of the current media battles, particularly the possibly impending combinations of media outlets and social media, as posing as great a danger as he suggests?
I do not believe there are stories you would not have grasped. I did not know where the term "Heroic Age" originated. The Guardian did not explain how they are applying the term to TV News, you did. A quick Google search suggests that Hesiod may have been the first to use the phrase to refer to a time between the Bronze and Iron Ages. I do not think most people, including myself, know how the proliferation of news venues has decreased viewership of network evening news.
Thank you for this. I lived those days, in decades past. I remember watching all three of what I cheerfully termed the Three Musketeers of Network Broadcasting. I've always been fascinated by journalists and their ability to succinctly and pithily describe what is happening all over the world. To pick out the meat of the story in small doses and enlighten the reader/viewer within a prescribed small window.
I congratulate you on making to this august age. Your ascension to the "throne" at CBS was one of the few times we actually watched the CBS Evening News. Mom really liked NBC better and Dad didn't care. I think she had a crush on David Brinkley, if you ask me. I always favored Tom Brokaw. Anderson Cooper reminds me a bit of Brokaw, truthfully.
Thank you for all the years and effort you put into your work. Thank you for continuing to act as a sort of "conscience" for the nation in your writings. Thank you for sharing the personal tidbits like the story of you and Jean and the convenience store/gas station. Thank you for making my world just a bit brighter as I age - as gracefully as possible - into the twilight years.
I also miss the "Heroic Age" of TV News. Today's news shows seem to be more about entertainment than actually reporting the news, except when something earthshaking happens. For instance, after the attack on the Capitol on January 6, the news seemed to spin out of control. Conspiracy theories were running rampant and all sides were pointing fingers at each other. It was disheartening, to say the least. I do watch about 1/2 hour of the evening news on NBC, and also the PBS Newshour in my sewing room, when I'm sewing. Other than that, I'd rather watch sports or a good movie, or the Big Interview!
Thank you, Dan, a delightful read! I feel so fortunate to have enjoyed the “heroic years” of news and journalism including Walter, you, Tom, Roger, Peter. As the years have passed, however, I miss the many departed quality newspapers...I still get the Boston Globe, Hartford Courant, Journal inquirer (local paper) and digital versions of The Washington Post but miss many of the long gone varieties. Oh, and thank goodness for Rolling Stone magazine!
I’m thankful for the current NBC, CBS, ABC “world news” anchors and follow several journalists associated with CNN and completely avoid Fox.
Looking forward to more of your insights, opinions, observations and reminiscence on Steady on Substack!
I remember those days well, Dan. Having moved up in the world from two small town newspapers and a radio station to the 'larger' market of Green Bay, WI, working at a TV and radio station complex across from the courthouse. We usually we down to the basement after our shifts for a frosty brew ... at the bar in the bowling alley. We watched Walter do his final sign off, after which we radio/tv folk applauded, joined by the rest of the crowd in the bar. Respect for the media was very different then. I also remember being inspired and motivated by your reporting and as the CBS main anchor, from harrowing times in Vietnam to grilling Nixon during Watergate. One still locked in my memory is an irritated Nixon asking your after a tough question, 'Mr. Rather, are you running for something?' You replied in an eyeblink; "No, Mr. President - are YOU?" I cheered. You have been an inspiration to many journalists, including myself, now heading for the slow lane after nearly 5 decades (I took what I thought was a less-stress, feature-style position as health reporter for an online news service in the Central Mountains of Colorado - a few months ahead of a certain pandemic - What a year that turned out to be!) I want to let you know how insightful your observations have been - and how appreciated - on our precious profession and its impact on our world. Steady is always and enjoyable read, Dan. Thanks so much for all you do.
Wow! Are you bringing back memories! I remember watching every one of you doing your news broadcasts every day. My family and I made sure we were done with whatever we were doing just so we could watch the news. You are right about one thing. News broadcast journalism isn't the same today. You really have to pick and choose which station you are going to watch to make sure you are receiving the actual news, or the station's "watered down" or "selective/political" versions.
I do wish to share one memory with you. I remember, just like it was yesterday, when you took over on the anchor desk, replacing the late, great, Walter Cronkite. My dad said, "Oh boy, now we have to break in a new guy. I sure hope he's half as good as Walter." I never understood what my dad meant by "we have to break in a new guy". But, I have to admit, Mr. Rather, you turned out to be better, at least in my opinion.
Someday, hopefully, real soon, television journalism will get back to being like it was. Delivering the actual news without any outside influence from any source, political or otherwise. It sure would be nice!
How fortunate you have been to have a wife and family that kept you grounded! I am so glad they did not let your head get too big! You are and have been a big part of my getting the news since I am a senior too.
Being able to take the baton from Walter Cronkite and keep leading the race is heroic in my book. Times have changed journalistically but I miss having evening news hosts with the gravitas like those in the 60's and 70's. Nowadays it's more about looks than dues paid out in the field. Do I sound like a grumpy old man? Maybe, just keep the $#@! off my lawn. ;-)
As someone who worked at CBS News Washington with you, Dan Rather, during this Heroic Age, I can only say how extraordinary the time was. I would call it the Golden Age of television news. The reporters in that front row of the newsroom - George Herman, Roger Mudd, you, Marvin Kalb, Daniel Schorr - as well as those behind you were unmatched. And Watergate. Ah, Watergate. We have all paid a price for the 24/7 “journalism.” There is no chance to get things verified by two independent sources. No network would have ever aired known lies and alternate facts. We have all paid a price for the lowering of that bar, so we owe you and the other journalism heroes a thank you. And to you thanks for staying involved. Institutional memory is irreplaceable.
❤️
Well Dan, I can say I've actually been waiting for you to write something about your days as CBC News Anchor, as well as your terrific colleagues - like Peter Jennings & Tom Brokaw. As for the great Walter Cronkite, reflecting on his career brings me back to days when I was a kid in Spokane, Wash. with my Mom and Dad in the '50's watching the CBS Evening News hosted by this truly great reporter. Then he was gone and you stepped in, thankfully! And we continued to watch that evening news program. I have one personal memory of you.... I estimate it was about 2 weeks after you first took that anchor chair, around the 23rd; the date on the pic you shared in this article showed March 9, 1981. At that time I was working for a company in San Francisco. Our Chairman, Jim Maloon, was from NYC and arranged that year to have quarterly Board Meetings held in NYC; the first was in March. His partner was Margery Baker of CBC News - maybe you remember her; a really lovely lady. She told us how she used to run in to Walter Cronkite in the hallways, etc. But now there was someone new in the Anchor Chair! Our second evening in the City, she asked me and another colleague - "How would you like to come into the studio and watch Dan Rather deliver the Evening News?" And what do you think we said to that?! I didn't realize at the time it was only about your second week in that role but there we were, Sheri & Joanie, watching you deliver the news live!! What a way to begin my first trip to the Big Apple. An amazing memory I will. never forget!! I was 28. Thus I am quite delighted to "reconnect" with you by subscribing to "Steady". Very thankful you are still keeping tabs on the news for us, Dan. Wishing you much good health and many blessings. - Joanie
Thank you, Dan, for being a part of the "heroic age of television news" that I grew up on in the 60's and 70's. But as important, is that you are still a part of this "historic" news period. As in the 1960's and 1970's serious attempts are being made to awaken the social consciousness of this great nation. I feel that your voice of reason and logic is needed as much now, as then, to help us all focus on what should be our main objective, to be "Steady". To respect the differences of others, to find "What Unites Us" and to arrive at the most beneficial agreements of all to further strengthen this country of ours, that this experiment in democracy may continue, stronger than ever. 🙏🏻
I enjoy reading your column because you speak of things I remember, because you and your crew write very well. Something that is missing with many who write today. Thank you being willing to write from your perspective, clearly and honestly.
Thanks as always for being an anchor to reality & truth.
Dan, I've grown up in this Golden Age of TV news, and remember watching Kronkite, and then you, with great fondness. I've been reading Glenn Greenwald, also on Substack, and wonder if you find his criticism of the current media battles, particularly the possibly impending combinations of media outlets and social media, as posing as great a danger as he suggests?
I do not believe there are stories you would not have grasped. I did not know where the term "Heroic Age" originated. The Guardian did not explain how they are applying the term to TV News, you did. A quick Google search suggests that Hesiod may have been the first to use the phrase to refer to a time between the Bronze and Iron Ages. I do not think most people, including myself, know how the proliferation of news venues has decreased viewership of network evening news.
Thank you for this. I lived those days, in decades past. I remember watching all three of what I cheerfully termed the Three Musketeers of Network Broadcasting. I've always been fascinated by journalists and their ability to succinctly and pithily describe what is happening all over the world. To pick out the meat of the story in small doses and enlighten the reader/viewer within a prescribed small window.
I congratulate you on making to this august age. Your ascension to the "throne" at CBS was one of the few times we actually watched the CBS Evening News. Mom really liked NBC better and Dad didn't care. I think she had a crush on David Brinkley, if you ask me. I always favored Tom Brokaw. Anderson Cooper reminds me a bit of Brokaw, truthfully.
Thank you for all the years and effort you put into your work. Thank you for continuing to act as a sort of "conscience" for the nation in your writings. Thank you for sharing the personal tidbits like the story of you and Jean and the convenience store/gas station. Thank you for making my world just a bit brighter as I age - as gracefully as possible - into the twilight years.
I also miss the "Heroic Age" of TV News. Today's news shows seem to be more about entertainment than actually reporting the news, except when something earthshaking happens. For instance, after the attack on the Capitol on January 6, the news seemed to spin out of control. Conspiracy theories were running rampant and all sides were pointing fingers at each other. It was disheartening, to say the least. I do watch about 1/2 hour of the evening news on NBC, and also the PBS Newshour in my sewing room, when I'm sewing. Other than that, I'd rather watch sports or a good movie, or the Big Interview!
Thank you, Dan, a delightful read! I feel so fortunate to have enjoyed the “heroic years” of news and journalism including Walter, you, Tom, Roger, Peter. As the years have passed, however, I miss the many departed quality newspapers...I still get the Boston Globe, Hartford Courant, Journal inquirer (local paper) and digital versions of The Washington Post but miss many of the long gone varieties. Oh, and thank goodness for Rolling Stone magazine!
I’m thankful for the current NBC, CBS, ABC “world news” anchors and follow several journalists associated with CNN and completely avoid Fox.
Looking forward to more of your insights, opinions, observations and reminiscence on Steady on Substack!
I remember those days well, Dan. Having moved up in the world from two small town newspapers and a radio station to the 'larger' market of Green Bay, WI, working at a TV and radio station complex across from the courthouse. We usually we down to the basement after our shifts for a frosty brew ... at the bar in the bowling alley. We watched Walter do his final sign off, after which we radio/tv folk applauded, joined by the rest of the crowd in the bar. Respect for the media was very different then. I also remember being inspired and motivated by your reporting and as the CBS main anchor, from harrowing times in Vietnam to grilling Nixon during Watergate. One still locked in my memory is an irritated Nixon asking your after a tough question, 'Mr. Rather, are you running for something?' You replied in an eyeblink; "No, Mr. President - are YOU?" I cheered. You have been an inspiration to many journalists, including myself, now heading for the slow lane after nearly 5 decades (I took what I thought was a less-stress, feature-style position as health reporter for an online news service in the Central Mountains of Colorado - a few months ahead of a certain pandemic - What a year that turned out to be!) I want to let you know how insightful your observations have been - and how appreciated - on our precious profession and its impact on our world. Steady is always and enjoyable read, Dan. Thanks so much for all you do.
Wow! Are you bringing back memories! I remember watching every one of you doing your news broadcasts every day. My family and I made sure we were done with whatever we were doing just so we could watch the news. You are right about one thing. News broadcast journalism isn't the same today. You really have to pick and choose which station you are going to watch to make sure you are receiving the actual news, or the station's "watered down" or "selective/political" versions.
I do wish to share one memory with you. I remember, just like it was yesterday, when you took over on the anchor desk, replacing the late, great, Walter Cronkite. My dad said, "Oh boy, now we have to break in a new guy. I sure hope he's half as good as Walter." I never understood what my dad meant by "we have to break in a new guy". But, I have to admit, Mr. Rather, you turned out to be better, at least in my opinion.
Someday, hopefully, real soon, television journalism will get back to being like it was. Delivering the actual news without any outside influence from any source, political or otherwise. It sure would be nice!
How fortunate you have been to have a wife and family that kept you grounded! I am so glad they did not let your head get too big! You are and have been a big part of my getting the news since I am a senior too.
This is such a great story! Missing the “honest brokers of truth” so very much these days.
Being able to take the baton from Walter Cronkite and keep leading the race is heroic in my book. Times have changed journalistically but I miss having evening news hosts with the gravitas like those in the 60's and 70's. Nowadays it's more about looks than dues paid out in the field. Do I sound like a grumpy old man? Maybe, just keep the $#@! off my lawn. ;-)
As someone who worked at CBS News Washington with you, Dan Rather, during this Heroic Age, I can only say how extraordinary the time was. I would call it the Golden Age of television news. The reporters in that front row of the newsroom - George Herman, Roger Mudd, you, Marvin Kalb, Daniel Schorr - as well as those behind you were unmatched. And Watergate. Ah, Watergate. We have all paid a price for the 24/7 “journalism.” There is no chance to get things verified by two independent sources. No network would have ever aired known lies and alternate facts. We have all paid a price for the lowering of that bar, so we owe you and the other journalism heroes a thank you. And to you thanks for staying involved. Institutional memory is irreplaceable.
Jeannie Slavin Kaplan