From
1937 to 1981, many Americans learned the most important news events
of the time when they were reported by reporter and TV news anchor,
Walter Cronkite, earning him a reputation as "the most trusted
man in America." After he retired in 1981, Walter Cronkite remained
in the public eye, with a syndicated opinion column and as a contributor
to the online news journal, The Huffington Post. He also championed
a number of causes that were dear to his heart. Walter Cronkite
was concerned about media consolidation - the fact that more and
more media newspapers and TV stations are owned by fewer and fewer
individuals and corporations. He was also concerned about the
large amount of money in politics and advocated for legislation
that would require that all political candidates would receive
free air time. He was a strong supporter of the United Nations
as an important institution to help bring the world together.
Ending world hunger was another concern and he actively supported
organizations like Heifer International. As Chairman of the Interfaith
Alliance, he addressed his concern to ensure that all religions
are respected, while making sure there is a separation between
religions and the government. The Interfaith Alliance bestows
the Walter Cronkite Faith and Freedom Award in his honor each
year. Another organization he chaired, The Walter Cronkite Award,
is given out ennually by another organization he chaired, the
Stone Soup Leadership Institute, which helps "prepare young people
to become leaders of a more sustainable world." Walter Cronkite
will also forever be known by the catchphrase he signed off with
as CBS new anchor, "And that's the way it is."
