Walter Cronkite

Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. (November 4, 1916 – July 17, 2009) was an American broadcast journalist renowned for his tenure as anchorman for the CBS Evening News, a role he held for 19 years, between 1962 and 1981. He was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" following an opinion poll that named him as such. His career saw him earn numerous honors, including two Peabody Awards, an Emmy Award, and a George Polk Award. Additionally, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981 by President Jimmy Carter. Cronkite's journalistic prowess was reflected in his coverage of various critical events from 1937 to 1981, including World War II bombings, Vietnam War combat, the Iran Hostage Crisis, Watergate, and the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr., and Beatles musician John Lennon among others. His extensive coverage of the U.S. space program, from Project Mercury to the Moon landings to the Space Shuttle, defined him as an influencer in the field of journalism and earned him the distinction of being the only non-NASA recipient of an Ambassador of Exploration award. Cronkite is most remembered for his departing catchphrase, "And that's the way it is", followed by the date of the broadcast.