Disclaimer: Devoted Grandma is reader-supported. If you purchase anything through my site, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Thank you.
On March 6th, 1981, Walter Cronkite signed off as anchorman of CBS Evening News for the very last time.
He’s one of the most famous news anchors in American history, and he’s known for his steady, trustworthy voice and his signature sign-off: “And that’s the way it is.”
Here’s the final clip of his last time as anchorman, then read on to learn so much more about the legendary anchorman.
There’s a lot more to Walter Cronkite than just his catchphrase. Let’s take a look at some of the most important parts of his career.
First of all, Cronkite was a pioneer in television news. He anchored the CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981, and during that time, he helped shape the way people received their news. He was the first anchor to use satellite technology to broadcast live from around the world, and he covered some of the biggest events of the 20th century, including the Vietnam War, the moon landing, and Watergate.
But as much as people respected Cronkite for his journalistic integrity and expertise, they also loved him for his quirks and sense of humor. For example, did you know that he was a big fan of scuba diving? He once did a report on underwater exploration while wearing a wetsuit and a scuba mask, and he looked pretty silly doing it. But he was always willing to get out of his comfort zone and try something new.
Cronkite was also known for his love of sailing, and he often spent his free time on his boat, the Wyntje. One time, he even convinced his colleagues to join him on a sailing trip to Martha’s Vineyard, and they all ended up getting seasick. But Cronkite just laughed it off and enjoyed the adventure.
And then there’s the time he got a little too friendly with a bottle of wine on live TV. During a broadcast of the CBS Evening News in 1972, Cronkite was doing a report on a wine auction when he got a little carried away and started tasting the wine on camera. He took a big swig and then made a face as the camera cut away. It was a funny moment that showed that even the most serious news anchors can let loose once in a while.
Walter Cronkite was a legend in the world of television news. He was a respected journalist, a trailblazer in broadcasting technology, and a fun-loving guy who wasn’t afraid to have a little fun on the job. So the next time you hear his iconic sign-off, remember that there was much more to him than just those six words. And that’s the way it was… and still is!
