On this day March 9 1981 Dan Rather took over as the anchorman for the CBS Evening News replacing the legendary Walter Cronkite who had retired after nearly two decades in the role. Rather had already built a strong reputation as a tough and relentless journalist covering major events like the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal.
Rather’s tenure as the face of CBS News lasted for 24 years making him one of the longest-serving network news anchors in history. His direct reporting style and willingness to challenge authority made him a defining figure in American broadcast journalism.
80s insight: Dan Rather’s sign-off phrase Courage was briefly used in 1986 but was quickly dropped after receiving mixed reactions from viewers.
Rather’s tenure as the face of CBS News lasted for 24 years making him one of the longest-serving network news anchors in history. His direct reporting style and willingness to challenge authority made him a defining figure in American broadcast journalism.
80s insight: Dan Rather’s sign-off phrase Courage was briefly used in 1986 but was quickly dropped after receiving mixed reactions from viewers.
