Walter Cronkite Quotes

A collection of quotes by Walter Cronkite.

Walter Cronkite (1916-2009) was an iconic American broadcast journalist widely regarded as the "most trusted man in America." Born on November 4, 1916, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, Cronkite's passion for journalism emerged early in his life. After attending college, he started his career as a wire service reporter and later found success in radio broadcasting during World War II. In 1950, he joined CBS News and became the anchor for the evening news program in 1962.

Cronkite's tenure as the anchor of the CBS Evening News made him a household name. With his authoritative and steady delivery, he guided the American public through significant events, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, the Moon landing, and the Watergate scandal. His unbiased reporting and dedication to providing accurate news coverage earned him the trust and respect of millions of Americans.

Beyond his role as a news anchor, Cronkite had a profound impact on journalism as a whole. He brought new innovations to network journalism, such as specialized correspondents and longer-form reporting. After his retirement in 1981, he remained active in various media and public affairs, continuing to contribute to the field he loved.

Walter Cronkite's influence on journalism and his commitment to truth and integrity left an indelible mark on the profession. His legacy as a dedicated journalist and trusted news anchor is remembered as a standard of excellence in broadcast journalism. Walter Cronkite passed away on July 17, 2009, leaving behind a remarkable career and an enduring impact on the field.

And that's the way it is.

And that's the way it is.

Walter Cronkite


It is a seldom proferred argument as to the advantages of a

It is a seldom proferred argument as to the advantages of a free press that it has a major function in keeping the government itself informed as to what the government is doing.

Walter Cronkite

Media

There is no such thing as a little freedom. Either you are a

There is no such thing as a little freedom. Either you are all free, or you are not free.

Walter Cronkite

Freedom

I want to say that probably 24 hours after I told CBS that I

I want to say that probably 24 hours after I told CBS that I was stepping down at my 65th birthday, I was already regretting it. And I regretted it every day since.

Walter Cronkite

Birthday

In seeking truth you have to get both sides of a story.

In seeking truth you have to get both sides of a story.

Walter Cronkite

Truth

America's health care system is neither healthy, caring, nor

America's health care system is neither healthy, caring, nor a system.

Walter Cronkite

Health

Our job is only to hold up the mirror -- to tell and show th

Our job is only to hold up the mirror -- to tell and show the public what has happened.

Walter Cronkite

Truth

I can't imagine a person becoming a success who doesn't give

I can't imagine a person becoming a success who doesn't give this game of life everything he's got.

Walter Cronkite

Success & Failure

I asked my doctors if I'd be able to play singles tennis and

I asked my doctors if I'd be able to play singles tennis and they said I could. That made me very happy since I haven't played in five years.

Walter Cronkite

Doctors

Not only do we have a right to know, we have a duty to know

Not only do we have a right to know, we have a duty to know what our Government is doing in our name. If there's a criticism to be made today, it's that the press isn't doing enough to put the pressure on the government to provide information.

Walter Cronkite

Media