Dan Rather

Definition

Dan Rather is an American journalist and former news anchor known for his influential role in television journalism, particularly during the latter half of the 20th century. He gained prominence as a CBS Evening News anchor, succeeding Walter Cronkite, and was recognized for his investigative reporting, especially during critical historical events such as the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War. Rather's style combined a deep commitment to journalistic integrity with a distinctive on-air presence, which made him a key figure in the evolution of broadcast journalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dan Rather began his career with CBS News in 1962 and became the network's chief Washington correspondent before becoming the anchor of CBS Evening News in 1981.
2. He was known for his fearless reporting style and willingness to tackle controversial subjects, which sometimes led to conflicts with network executives.
3. Rather covered major historical events such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the Apollo moon landing, establishing himself as a credible and respected journalist.
4. In 2004, Rather faced significant scrutiny over a report on President George W. Bush's military service, which led to his departure from CBS News after nearly 25 years as anchor.
5. Post-CBS, Rather has continued his career in journalism by producing documentaries and hosting programs that explore current events and social issues.

Review Questions

• How did Dan Rather's approach to journalism differ from that of Walter Cronkite, particularly during significant historical events?
  • While both Dan Rather and Walter Cronkite were influential in shaping broadcast journalism, their approaches differed in style and focus. Cronkite was known for his calm and measured reporting, often reassuring viewers during turbulent times, whereas Rather adopted a more aggressive and dynamic style that aimed to confront issues head-on. This difference became evident during major events like the Watergate scandal, where Rather's investigative reporting sought to uncover truths aggressively.
• Discuss the impact of Dan Rather's investigative reporting on public perception of journalism during his career.
  • Dan Rather's investigative reporting significantly shaped public perception of journalism by highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency. His fearless approach to tackling controversial topics resonated with audiences who valued hard-hitting news. As he reported on major events like the Vietnam War, Rather's commitment to uncovering the truth contributed to a growing skepticism among the public towards government narratives, thereby elevating the role of journalists as watchdogs.
• Evaluate the challenges Dan Rather faced in his later career and how they reflect broader issues within the media landscape.
  • Dan Rather faced considerable challenges in his later career, particularly after the fallout from a controversial report on President George W. Bush's military service. This incident not only led to his departure from CBS News but also highlighted broader issues such as editorial oversight, the pressure for sensationalism in media, and the evolving relationship between journalism and politics. Rather's experience reflects ongoing tensions within the media landscape regarding journalistic integrity and accountability, emphasizing the need for journalists to navigate complex narratives while maintaining public trust.

Related terms

Walter Cronkite: A legendary American broadcast journalist who served as the anchor for CBS Evening News for 19 years, often referred to as 'the most trusted man in America.'

Investigative Journalism: A form of journalism that seeks to uncover hidden information and expose wrongdoing, often involving in-depth research and analysis.

CBS News: The news division of the CBS television network, known for its high standards in reporting and influential journalists like Cronkite and Rather.