Legendary CBS anchorman Walter Cronkite, 92, long known as the "Most Trusted Man in America," is gravely ill, according to multiple CBS News sources and published reports.


According to Mediabistro's blog, TVNewser, the network began updating his obituary more than a week ago; a CBS News executive had no comment to TVNewser on the reports of Cronkite's failing health.

One of the most recognized and honored journalists in America, Cronkite anchored the "CBS Evening News" for 19 years, when he was replaced by Dan Rather.

Cronkite remained a special correspondent for the network through the years.

The St. Joseph, Mo., native got his start as a battlefield correspondent during World War II for the United Press. In 1950 he came to CBS radio as a Washington correspondent.

Cronkite jumped into the fledgling TV news world in 1962 when he was named anchor of the 15-minute "CBS Evening News," which became the first 30-minute network newscast the following year with Cronkite at the anchor desk.

From the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. to publicly questioning U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War to the landing of the first man on the moon, Cronkite was known for a tell-it-like-it-is reporting style that was often tinged with genuine emotion.

Thought of as the dean of broadcast journalism, Cronkite's style has long been the hallmark of television reporting. A journalism school at Arizona State University was named for him, and a number of industry awards are in his name, too.

In addition to leading the "Evening News" to perpetual first-place ratings, Cronkite gave the country one of the best-known catchphrases in TV history with his nightly sign-off, "And that's the way it is..."

TVNewser quotes Cronkite speaking on his own mortality from a 2006 interview:

"When you get to be 89, you have to think about it a little bit. It doesn't prey on me, and it doesn't keep me awake nights. Occasionally, when I'm upset about something else, I think, 'My gosh, I don't know if I should do this or that because I'm not sure I'll be here that long to enjoy it.'"

http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/1629972,walter-cronkite-gravely-ill-061809.article

I'm very sorry to hear this, but I can't believe that CBS wouldn't even comment on it. How about them saying something positive, like "We hope he gets well". Geez, how insensitive! And they are updating his obituary? My God, why do they even need an obituary? That's terrible! The man is still alive! It's like they are trying to get rid of him already! I'm sorry, but this is just downright tacky; especially to do this to someone who is so fondly known at CBS. If I were his family, I would be having a fit over this!

Andrea

Walter is in my Prayers.

I'm very sorry to hear this, but I can't believe that CBS wouldn't even comment on it. How about them saying something positive, like "We hope he gets well". Geez, how insensitive! And they are updating his obituary? My God, why do they even need an obituary? That's terrible! The man is still alive! It's like they are trying to get rid of him already! I'm sorry, but this is just downright tacky; especially to do this to someone who is so fondly known at CBS. If I were his family, I would be having a fit over this!

Andrea

On CBS's defense, ALL networks put together obits as very famous celebrities & politians get old and/or sick ahead of time so they are ready for when it happens. Especially in the case of television anchors, since it will be news - and big news. Trust me, when it happens - and let's hope not soon since I love Cronkite, CBS will come to a standstill. Cronkite WAS CBS - at least the voice of it for decades.

He is in my prayers.

Godspeed, Mr. Cronkite!!

My best memory of Mr. Cronkite is the famous footage of him announcing to the nation the death of JFK. The emotion in his voice echoed the emotions of the entire nation at that time. Very poignant, very real, very human. But he was able to get his emotions under control and do his job as a professional newsman. They don't make them like that anymore!!

My best memory of Mr. Cronkite is the famous footage of him announcing to the nation the death of JFK. The emotion in his voice echoed the emotions of the entire nation at that time. Very poignant, very real, very human. But he was able to get his emotions under control and do his job as a professional newsman. They don't make them like that anymore!!


That, and to me, especially the week of Apollo 11 and then again with 13. Nobody could bring you the news like Walter.
Geez, now that I think of it, Watergate, Robert Kennedy....he was there for a lot.

That, and to me, especially the week of Apollo 11 and then again with 13. Nobody could bring you the news like Walter.
Geez, now that I think of it, Watergate, Robert Kennedy....he was there for a lot.
You're right. A lot of major events happened in the 60's and 70's and Walter was there to tell us how it was. It's difficult to think of all those big events without thinking of Walter!

So sad to hear of Walter's illness... he's definitely in my thoughts and prayers...

Any News on Mr Conkite.

I hope he does fine.:(

I hope he does Fine as well.