Dan Rather, at 92, on a life in news
Summary
TLDRThe transcript captures a reflective conversation with legendary CBS News anchor Dan Rather, revisiting his illustrious career and his departure from the network. It highlights his tenure as a front-line journalist for nearly a quarter-century, witnessing significant historical events such as the Berlin Wall, the Civil Rights movement, and the Vietnam War. The interview touches on Rather's passion for journalism, his dedication to uncovering stories that matter, and the controversy surrounding his report on George W. Bush's military service. Despite the setback, Rather's commitment to real news and his transition to engaging with a younger audience on social media are emphasized. The summary also notes his enduring legacy and the importance he places on the enduring questions of identity and contribution, rather than professional accolades.
Takeaways
- š **Dan Rather's Longevity in Journalism**: Dan Rather was a prominent figure at CBS News for almost a quarter of a century, witnessing and reporting on significant historical events.
- š **Global Reporting**: Throughout his career, Rather reported from around the world, including locations like Dharamshala, India, Port au Prince, Haiti, and the line between Israel and the occupied West Bank.
- š **Recognition and Legacy**: Dan Rather is acknowledged as one of the great reporters of his time, with his name and identity closely tied to CBS News.
- š° **Controversial Reporting**: A report by Rather on George W. Bush's service record in the Texas Air National Guard led to controversy when the documents could not be authenticated, causing a significant low point in his career.
- š **Commitment to Truth**: Rather emphasizes the importance of reporting news that someone in power may not want the public to know, which he believes defines real news.
- šØ **The Impact of 9/11**: Rather's raw emotion following the 9/11 attacks reflected the collective feelings of the nation, demonstrating his empathetic approach to journalism.
- š **Evolution of Journalism**: Rather believes that current journalists are better educated and more knowledgeable about the world, and they are striving to do the right thing.
- š **Lifelong Learning**: Even after leaving the anchor desk, Rather continued to report, write books, and engage with a new, younger audience on social media, showing his commitment to staying relevant and informed.
- š **Education and Knowledge**: He rates today's journalists as being more educated and knowledgeable than those from previous generations, highlighting the importance of continuous learning in the field.
- š£ļø **The Power of Questions**: Rather stresses the importance of follow-up questions in journalism, which often reveal more information than the initial query.
- š³ **Roots and Endurance**: The 'Treaty Tree' in Austin, Texas, where Rather often reflects, symbolizes his own career in journalismādeeply rooted, enduring, and strong.
- āļø **Legacy and Personal Reflection**: Rather suggests that one's legacy is not about professional achievements but rather about personal contributions and the impact one has made on others.
Q & A
How long was Dan Rather at the forefront of CBS News?
-Dan Rather was at the forefront of CBS News for almost a quarter century.
What significant event in media did Dan Rather report on during his tenure at CBS?
-Dan Rather reported on various significant events, including the war against Terror in Afghanistan and the Civil Rights movement.
Why did Dan Rather leave CBS News in 2006?
-Dan Rather left CBS News in 2006 after a report he filed for 60 Minutes II, questioning George W Bush's service record in the Texas Air National Guard, which was based on documents that could not be authenticated.
What was the lowest point in Dan Rather's career?
-The lowest point in Dan Rather's career was when the documents for a report on President George W. Bush's military service could not be authenticated, leading to a public apology.
How did Dan Rather feel about his departure from CBS?
-Dan Rather's departure from CBS still stings, as he gave CBS News everything he had and felt that the incident with the unauthenticated documents was a mistake.
What is Dan Rather's view on the current state of journalism?
-Dan Rather believes that the people practicing journalism today are better educated, more knowledgeable, and are doing their best to do the right thing.
What was the impact of the assassination of John F. Kennedy on Dan Rather?
-The assassination of John F. Kennedy had a profound impact on Dan Rather, who did not take time to grieve due to his professional responsibilities.
How did Dan Rather's reporting on the Vietnam War influence public perception?
-Dan Rather's reporting on the Vietnam War helped to convey the realities of soldiers' experiences, emphasizing their fears of letting down their comrades rather than the fear of death itself.
What is the significance of the 'Treaty Tree' to Dan Rather?
-The 'Treaty Tree' near Dan Rather's home in Austin, Texas, symbolizes endurance, strength, and deep roots, qualities that Rather sees in himself and values in his career.
How did Dan Rather continue his career after leaving the anchor desk at CBS?
-After leaving the anchor desk at CBS, Dan Rather continued to report from around the world for various news broadcasts, authored books, and became a sought-after voice on presidential politics, finding a new younger audience on social media.
What is Dan Rather's perspective on his legacy?
-Dan Rather believes that the closest one can come to legacy is not to focus on one's work, but rather on the important questions of who one is, why one is here, and what one can contribute as a person.
Outlines
š° Dan Rather's CBS Legacy and Departure
The first paragraph discusses the career of Dan Rather, a prominent figure at CBS News for decades. It highlights his tenure as a TV anchorman, his role in reporting significant historical events such as the Berlin Wall, and his dedication to journalism. The paragraph also touches on Rather's departure from CBS in 2006, following a controversial report on George W. Bush's military service. It reflects on the impact of this incident on his career and his continued passion for journalism, even after leaving the network.
šļø The Evolution and Impact of Dan Rather's Journalism
The second paragraph delves into Dan Rather's approach to journalism, contrasting his style with that of his predecessor, Walter Cronkite. It recounts significant moments in his career, including his coverage of the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the Civil Rights movement. The paragraph also addresses the emotional aspect of reporting, as seen in Rather's response to 9/11. It concludes with a reflection on Rather's legacy, his enduring commitment to journalism, and his philosophical outlook on life and his career.
Mindmap
Keywords
š”Dan Rather
š”CBS News
š”Journalism
š”60 Minutes II
š”George W. Bush
š”Civil Rights Movement
š”Vietnam War
š”Integration
š”Social Media
š”Legacy
š”Truth in Journalism
Highlights
Dan Rather spent almost a quarter century as a lead anchor at CBS News, becoming one of the most recognized figures in American journalism.
Rather was part of the 'big three' TV anchormen watched by 50 million people a night during his time at CBS.
He held nearly every major post a network reporter could, including bureau chief, war correspondent, and White House correspondent.
In 2004, Rather filed a controversial 60 Minutes II report questioning George W. Bush's service record in the Texas Air National Guard. The report's documents could not be authenticated, leading to a major controversy.
Rather's departure from CBS in 2006, over a year after stepping down from the anchor desk, was a painful moment for him and the news division.
Rather has continued to report from around the world for various news outlets and found a new, younger audience on social media.
He has authored books and become a sought-after voice on presidential politics, staying engaged with current events.
Rather believes the journalists practicing today are better educated, more knowledgeable, and trying to do the right thing despite challenges.
He emphasizes the importance of real news - stories that someone in power doesn't want the public to know.
Rather recounts his experience covering the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the Civil Rights movement.
His coverage of the Vietnam War humanized soldiers, emphasizing their fears and camaraderie.
Rather's emotional reporting after 9/11 reflected the collective feelings of the nation during that tragic time.
In his later years, Rather has found peace under the 'treaty tree' near his home in Austin, Texas, a place that symbolizes endurance and deep roots.
Rather's legacy is defined not by his professional achievements, but by his enduring commitment to truth, context, and the important questions he raised as a reporter.
Throughout his 44-year career at CBS, Rather was known for his hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of the story.
His approach to journalism was characterized by intense curiosity, thoughtful skepticism, and a desire to wear out his shoe leather chasing headlines.
Rather's advice for aspiring journalists is to focus on the follow-up questions, which are often more important than the initial query.
Transcripts
what a place what a time what a story it'sĀ Friday morning here and this is TiananmenĀ Ā
square for decades he was front and center at CBSĀ News all these years later we thought it was timeĀ Ā
for a look back Lee Cowan traveled to Texas forĀ a conversation with Dan Rather and to each ofĀ Ā
you courage it's been almost 20 years for the CBSĀ Evening News Dan Rather reporting since Dan RatherĀ Ā
good night signed off from the anchor desk here atĀ CBS News of the so-called big three TV anchormenĀ Ā
back in the day watched by some 50 millionĀ people a night rather was there the longestĀ Ā
almost a quarter Century the hurricane has beenĀ hitting full force the operative board tonightĀ Ā
for the war against Terror here in AfghanistanĀ is more when he blinked I climbed up the BerlinĀ Ā
Wall the cbs eye did too CBS News in his 44 yearsĀ with CBS he held every post- a network reporterĀ Ā
could bureau chief War correspondent 10 years agoĀ there were no segregationist candidates for placesĀ Ā
in British Parliament foreign correspondentĀ White House correspondent are you running for
something No Mr President are you but in 2006 aĀ little more than a year after he stepped down fromĀ Ā
the the anchor desk Dan Rather left CBS itselfĀ Dan Rather was one of the great reporters of hisĀ Ā
time good luck Dan all the best Dan Rather CBSĀ News became sort of a whole part of my name partĀ Ā
of my identity and you have interviewed how manyĀ presidents I'd have to count everyone instrumentĀ Ā
gosh this is the first time he's appeared onĀ this network since without apology or explanationĀ Ā
I missed CBS I've missed it since the day I leftĀ there even at 92 how and why he left still stingsĀ Ā
in the heart of every reporter worthy of theĀ namely there's a message that News Real News isĀ Ā
what somebody somewhere particularly somebodyĀ in power doesn't want you to know that's newsĀ Ā
and that's what got him into trouble NBC News andĀ death tonight the black eye at CBS News Today CBSĀ Ā
news anchor Dan Rather and the News divisionĀ in 2004 rather filed a report for 60 Minutes IIĀ Ā
that questioned George W Bush's service record inĀ the Texas Air National Guard tonight we have newĀ Ā
documents and new information on the president'sĀ military service but the documents on which ratherĀ Ā
and his producer based their reporting could notĀ be later authenticated it was a mistake CBS NewsĀ Ā
deeply regrets it also I want to say personallyĀ and directly I'm sorry is that the lowest pointĀ Ā
for you you think of course it was the lowestĀ point I gave CBS News everything I had theyĀ Ā
had smarter better more talented people but theyĀ didn't have anybody who worked any harder than IĀ Ā
did cbs's Lee Cowan tells us one firehouse withinĀ sight of ground zero has had its heart cut out I'dĀ Ā
only been at CBS a few years by then duringĀ which Dan Rather had kindly and unexpectedlyĀ Ā
taken me under his wing he made me feel welcomeĀ you told me once that it's not the question butĀ Ā
it's the followup but that's yes what often isĀ more important I hope you will not be followingĀ Ā
up today minus the suspenders and his cigarsĀ rather remains just as I remember him an intentlyĀ Ā
curious I'll bring you back in about 10 thanksĀ thoughtful well-read skeptic who wants nothingĀ Ā
more than to wear out his shoe leather chasing theĀ next headline what made you want to be a reporterĀ Ā
in the first place you know I've never quiteĀ known the answer to that question all I knowĀ Ā
is it's the only thing I ever wanted to be was aĀ reporter and I get up every morning and soon asĀ Ā
my feet hit the ground I say where's the story youĀ still do that huh I do and it doesn't matter howĀ Ā
big or small the audience is no good evening fromĀ Dharamshala India Port au Prince Haiti Welcome toĀ Ā
Alaska after CBS rather continued to report fromĀ all over the world for several news broadcastsĀ Ā
of his own we come to you tonight from the lineĀ between Israel and the occupied West Bank he wroteĀ Ā
books and thank you so much that's exactly why IĀ wanted to talk to you became a sought-after voiceĀ Ā
on presidential politics and found a new youngerĀ audience on social media you either get engagedĀ Ā
and you get engaged on the new terms or you're outĀ of the game I want to stay in the game how wouldĀ Ā
you rate where we are today in journalism letĀ the record show that I paused the people who areĀ Ā
practicing journalism today are so much betterĀ than those of us who came up at another timeĀ Ā
they're better educated they're more knowledgeableĀ about the world they want to do the right thingĀ Ā
they're doing the best they can take your handsĀ off on me unless you intend to arrest me don'tĀ Ā
don't push me in his time he knew his best wasn'tĀ to try to be his predecessor Walter CronkiteĀ Ā
instead he tried to be the best Dan Rather heĀ could be you can see which came with price tagsĀ Ā
some professional talk to the man many of themĀ personal we had the assassination on Friday theĀ Ā
interrogation of the assassin on Saturday in 1963Ā while the nation mourned the assassination of JohnĀ Ā
F Kennedy in Dallas rather didn't have that luxuryĀ I mean you didn't have any time to grieve yourselfĀ Ā
I didn't take time to grieve because I said toĀ myself it's my professional responsibility and IĀ Ā
remember calling my wife Jean who was in HoustonĀ at the time of the assassination but she she hadĀ Ā
cautioned me then sooner or later you have to makeĀ room for your own emotions and I love my churchĀ Ā
that's why I'm trying to show my church whereĀ they are in grave error if they accept integrationĀ Ā
rather also led cbs's coverage of the Civil RightsĀ movement those were the days he thought mightĀ Ā
Define him as a reporter but then came Vietnam noĀ Soldier worthy of the name will leave even a deadĀ Ā
comrade you know there's a great misunderstandingĀ of what soldiers sailors Marines and airmen areĀ Ā
afraid of in war they are afraid of dying ofĀ course they are but that's not what they're mostĀ Ā
afraid of fighting men and women are most afraidĀ of letting down the guy to their left or the womanĀ Ā
to their right race was rarely even thought ofĀ the saying among the truths was same mud same
blood man that's the way it was handled being aĀ Ā
hard charging reporter doesn't meanĀ being a heartless one after 911Ā Ā
rather's raw emotion reflected what we were allĀ feeling thine Alabaster City's gleam undimmed byĀ Ā
human tears we can never say that s again that wasĀ all long ago these days you'll find him under theĀ Ā
shade of a stately old oak not far from his homeĀ in Austin Texas well it's called the treaty treeĀ Ā
Lee it's outlasted Spanish conquests the Civil WarĀ even urban sprawl and and in its Tangled branchesĀ Ā
Dan Rather sees himself it couldn't survive forĀ these 600 years without having very deep rootsĀ Ā
there's a lot comparable to you it's enduranceĀ strength and has been in Texas for a long timeĀ Ā
yeah I wish that were true he spent his careerĀ trying to put the world in context for othersĀ Ā
Penning the first draft of history in hisĀ reporter's notebook Dan Rather knows moreĀ Ā
than anyone that the final draft though is up toĀ others and that's how it should be the closestĀ Ā
you can do about Legacy is not think about yourĀ work think about what you did as a person thoseĀ Ā
important questions of who am I why am I here whatĀ can I contribute those are the important questionsĀ Ā
not how well one did or didn't do as anchorĀ and managing editor of the CBS Evening News
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