Dan Rather, a legendary figure in the journalism world, has left an indelible mark on the industry. From his early days as a local reporter to his tenure as the anchor of the CBS Evening News, Rather has been at the forefront of some of the most pivotal news events in history.
His career has been marked by both triumphs and controversies, but through it all, he has remained a steadfast advocate for truth and accountability.
Rather’s journey in journalism began in his hometown of Wharton, Texas. After graduating from Sam Houston State University, he embarked on a career that would span over five decades. His early experiences as a reporter for local news stations honed his skills and prepared him for the national spotlight.
Early Life and Career
Dan Rather was born in Wharton, Texas, on October 31, 1931. His father, Daniel Irvin Rather Jr., was a cotton farmer and his mother, Byrl Virginia (née Deener), was a schoolteacher. Rather attended Wharton High School, where he was a star athlete and editor of the school newspaper.
After graduating from high school, Rather attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where he majored in journalism. He began his journalism career as a reporter for the Huntsville Itemin 1950. In 1954, he joined the Associated Press (AP) in Dallas, Texas, and in 1959, he became the AP’s bureau chief in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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Rise to Prominence
In 1961, Rather joined CBS News as a correspondent. He covered the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the Watergate scandal. In 1981, he became the anchor of the CBS Evening News, a position he held until 2005.
During his tenure as anchor, Rather was known for his aggressive reporting style and his willingness to challenge authority. He was also known for his coverage of the 2000 presidential election, which was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court.
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CBS News Anchor
Dan Rather became the anchor of the CBS Evening News in 1981, succeeding Walter Cronkite. During his tenure, Rather established himself as a respected and influential journalist, known for his incisive reporting and commitment to investigative journalism.
Reporting Style, Dan Rather
Rather’s reporting style was characterized by its thoroughness, fairness, and attention to detail. He was known for his ability to break down complex stories and present them in a clear and engaging manner. Rather was also a master of the interview, often eliciting revealing and insightful responses from his subjects.
Major News Events Covered
During his time at CBS, Rather covered some of the most significant news events of the late 20th century, including the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. His reporting on these events was widely praised for its accuracy, objectivity, and historical significance.
Impact on CBS’s Reputation
Under Rather’s leadership, the CBS Evening News became one of the most-watched and respected news programs in the United States. Rather’s reputation for integrity and journalistic excellence helped to solidify CBS’s standing as a trusted source of news and information.
Collaborations with Other Journalists
Throughout his career, Rather collaborated with a number of other renowned journalists, including Morley Safer, Ed Bradley, and Mike Wallace. These collaborations resulted in some of the most memorable and impactful reporting in American history.
Controversies and Criticisms
Dan Rather’s career has been marked by several controversies and criticisms. One of the most notable incidents was the “Killian documents” affair in 2004.
In September 2004, CBS News aired a report by Rather alleging that President George W. Bush had received preferential treatment during his service in the Texas Air National Guard. The report was based on documents that were later found to be forged.
Rather and CBS News were heavily criticized for airing the report, and Rather was accused of journalistic malpractice.
CBS News Anchor
Rather has also been criticized for his journalistic practices, particularly his use of anonymous sources. Some critics have accused him of being too willing to rely on anonymous sources, and of not always verifying their information. Rather has defended his use of anonymous sources, arguing that it is sometimes necessary to protect the identities of sources who are afraid of retaliation.
The controversies surrounding Rather’s reporting have had a significant impact on his career and legacy. He was forced to resign from CBS News in 2005, and his reputation as a journalist has been tarnished.
Post-CBS Career: Dan Rather
After leaving CBS News in 2005, Dan Rather continued his career in journalism. He became a correspondent for HDNet, where he hosted the program “Dan Rather Reports.” He also worked as a special correspondent for ABC News and as a contributor to The Huffington Post.In
2013, Rather joined AXS TV as a correspondent for the program “The Big Interview with Dan Rather.” He also hosted the documentary series “The Killing Fields” for Investigation Discovery.Rather has continued to be an influential figure in the journalism industry.
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He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Peabody Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award. He is also the author of several books, including “The Camera Never Blinks: Adventures and Lessons from a Life in Television” and “What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism.”Rather
is currently working on a new documentary series about the American justice system. He is also a visiting professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
Documentaries
Dan Rather has been involved in the production of several documentaries throughout his career. Some of his most notable works include:
- “The Killing Fields” (2013): A six-part documentary series that investigates the unsolved murders of hundreds of young women in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
- “Truth and Power” (2013): A documentary film that explores the relationship between journalism and power.
- “The Gettysburg Address” (2014): A documentary film that examines the historical significance of the Gettysburg Address.
- “The American Dream” (2017): A documentary film that explores the history and evolution of the American Dream.
Rather’s documentaries have been praised for their insightful analysis and their ability to shed light on important social issues. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Peabody Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award.
Legacy and Impact
Dan Rather’s legacy as a journalist is marked by his unwavering commitment to truth, his dedication to public service, and his influence on the journalism landscape. He has left an enduring mark on the field through his contributions to news coverage, his impact on public discourse, and the ways in which his work continues to shape the journalism landscape.
Rather’s most significant contribution to journalism is his relentless pursuit of truth. He has been at the forefront of some of the most important news stories of the past half-century, including the Watergate scandal, the Vietnam War, and the Iran-Contra affair.
His reporting has helped to hold the powerful to account and to inform the public about critical issues.
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Impact on News Coverage
Rather’s impact on news coverage has been profound. He has helped to raise the standards of journalism and to set a new benchmark for accuracy, fairness, and objectivity. His reporting has been a model for other journalists, and his influence can be seen in the way that news is covered today.
Influence on Public Discourse
Rather has also had a significant influence on public discourse. His reporting has helped to shape public opinion on a wide range of issues, from the Vietnam War to the Iraq War. He has been a voice for the voiceless and has helped to give a platform to those who have been marginalized.
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Shaping the Journalism Landscape
Rather’s work continues to shape the journalism landscape. He has been a pioneer in the use of new technologies to deliver news and has helped to create new ways of engaging with the public. His work has inspired a new generation of journalists who are committed to truth-telling and public service.
Ultimate Conclusion
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Dan Rather’s legacy as a journalist is complex and multifaceted. He is remembered as a fearless reporter who was not afraid to challenge authority and speak truth to power. His work has had a profound impact on the journalism industry, and he continues to be an inspiration to aspiring journalists around the world.
Question & Answer Hub
What is Dan Rather best known for?
Dan Rather is best known for his tenure as the anchor of the CBS Evening News from 1981 to 2005.
What controversies has Dan Rather been involved in?
Dan Rather has been involved in several controversies, including the “Killian documents” incident in 2004, which led to his resignation from CBS News.
What is Dan Rather’s legacy?
Dan Rather’s legacy is as a fearless reporter who was not afraid to challenge authority and speak truth to power.