Austin360 blogs > TV Blog > Archives > 2009 > June > 19 > Entry
Walter Cronkite reported to be gravely ill
Mediabistro’s blog, TVNewser, and other sources are reporting that television broadcaster and former University of Texas student Walter Cronkite is gravely ill. The blog cited a source who noted that CBS began updating his obituary more than a week ago.
Meanwhile, the New York Daily News and other outlets have Cronkite’s spokeswoman denying the reports, saying the icon is just recuperating from an illness.
“The news reports that have gone out are overstated,” the article quotes a spokeswoman for the 92-year-old saying.
“He has suffered no major health crisis. He is at home. He was recently ill, and he’s home recuperating. He’s not gravely ill.”
Cronkite attended The University of Texas at Austin in the 1930s and worked as a student reporter for The Daily Texan campus newspaper. The legendary newsman began his career as a World War II correspondent for United Press. In 1950, he joined CBS and, 12 years later, became anchor of the network’s evening newscast. Cronkite retired in 1981 and was replaced by Dan Rather.
TVNewser quotes Cronkite’s thoughts on the subject of death 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.’ “
Cronkite announces death of JFK
Cronkite on the Moon landing
Cronkite University of Texas commercial
The latest on Cronkite on Twitter
Permalink | Comments (17) | Post your comment Categories: News coverage
Comments
When commenting, we ask that you keep things civil and abide by our Visitor Agreement. To report comment abuse, click here.
By Ninian Reid
June 20, 2009 5:33 AM | Link to this
Who of my babyboom generation could forget the heavy-framed spectacles fixed to a kindly face, the frequent adjustments to those very spectacles in the wake of terrible news filtering through from Dallas, and the tiny emotional crack in the otherwise authoritative voice? Whatever the outcome of Walter Cronkite's current illness, he will always be cradled in the arms of his fellow journalists and truth-seekers; not to mention an adoring audience of CBS viewers.
By joseph benham
June 20, 2009 1:49 AM | Link to this
1. I think that you'll find that he worked for the Houston Press before joining United Press.
2. I believe that he's the last of "Ed Murrow's Boys", the legendary band of correspondents recruited by Murrow to cover the war in Europe for the Columbia Broadcasting System (radio). Interestngly, most of them held TV news in xuch low esteem that they refused to move to CBS TV, threatening to quit if the brass tried to force them. Some of Murrow's biographers say that it took all of his considerable charm and persuasiveness, and that of Chairman Bill Paley, to persuade them.
3. Every major news organization has one or more staffers working fulltime to keep obituary files current. There's no way they want to have to start from scratch when a famous person dies. When I worked for the AP, there was a firm rule against having obituaries in the perforated tape used in those days to transmit the news, for fear that an obit would get on the wire prematurely. Tbat bappened years later, by which time computers had replaced the teletypes and perforated tape: AP informed the world that Bob Hope had died, and Congress interrupted its business to pay tribute to him, only to be told a few minutes later that the famed comic was alive; his obit had been sent prematurely. I daresay that AP resurrected the rule.
Joseph Benham, former AP staffer in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, New York, the United Nations and Santiago, Chile.
By Carrie
June 19, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this
To "that's the Way it is", so what if Walter Cronkite became "political" after he retired? He never injected his brand of politics as he reported the news. What he chose to do after he left CBS was his right. Also, Jim Spencer & Robert Hadlock are pretty good at what they do --they should be, they've been around long enough. The KEYE news team leaves a lot to be desired--Judy Maggio in particular needs to find something else to do --she's way past her prime.
By Willie
June 19, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this
Let me see - he's a big dem so I'm sure they are working overtime at city hall as to what they will name in his honor...
By YeahISaidit
June 19, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
Walter who? I think Robert Hadlock is the best there ever is, was, will be. Go KXAN. And, Michelle Valles - that's hot!!! Yeah I said it!
By Robin
June 19, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
I don't think you can update somebody's obituary until they are actually dead. Just the latest example of why today's journalism can't measure up to him.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Hi, Robin. Thanks for commenting. It's a grim reality, but standard practice for news organizations to compile biographies of famous or notorious people (especially those who are aged and/or very ill) so that information can be released as soon as possible after a death. This is true now and was moreso in Mr. Cronkite's heyday prior to the Internet and other forms of instantaneous information delivery we enjoy today.
By paper_poster
June 19, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this
Keith, I think the poster whose comments to which you are referring meant Cronkite's work and years with CBS, as in "was". Unclinch those airtight cheeks a little?
By Lisa
June 19, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
I LOVE WALTER CRONKITE --- THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANY ONE WHO COULD FILL HIS SHOES AND THERE WILL NEVER BE!!!!
By Keith
June 19, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this
He was the best? The man isn't dead, so you shouldn't speak of him in the past tense
By LSM
June 19, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this
He was the best !
"and that's the way it is,"
God Speed Sir, you helped me be the man I am today.
By Barbara
June 19, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this
There was only one Walter Cronkite. None of the current newscasters or even some of the ones once Uncle Walter retired, are any close to his dedication to reporting the news and being objective about it. I agree that what we have now are "readers". God speed Walter.
By sandy b.
June 19, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this
Walter Cronkite was my hero when I was a child and, he still is. He reported the news as it was with truthfulness and honesty. He is the reason I received a degree in journalism and became a beat reporter. He is a man of great integrity and a role model for the ages. Thank you, Mr. Cronkite. Sail on!
By Stephen
June 19, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this
Cronkite was the man for news when I was growing up
By Jeff
June 19, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this
It is funny how journalism has changed. I watched Mr. Cronkite for years and never knew his political leanings. He was as objective as it could be. Now, everyone wants to be open with their political agenda. That is not journalism, that is entertainment. Mr. Cronkite is the last of a dead art: the objective broadcast journalist.
By thats the way it is
June 19, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
Cronkite used to be a solid newsman, then in his later years became a political wuss. Adios Uncle Walter.
By dorothy
June 19, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
I well remember Walter announcing the death of JFK. I wish him well. There are a very few news people in this mans category. Gods speed.
By Carrie
June 19, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this
Compared to the lack of quality in television reporting today, particularly local news "readers", Walter Cronkite was the best. Why is it that national television reporters are polished and professional, yet local TV is low budget sounding in every way? Does being paid more make for more professionalism or what? There'll never be another like WC!