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Guyanese journalists should emulate Cronkite
Dear Editor,
I learn of the passing of former CBS News anchorman Walter Cronkite. He was an outstanding journalist whose professionalism, competence and integrity should be emulated by Guyanese reporters and “newsmen”.
Cronkite was a phenomenon fighting against press restriction and was a defender of the free press, especially of a journalist’s right to investigate matters without having to disclose confidential sources. No one could intimidate or bully him. In fact, politicians feared him. With his passing, American journalism has suffered a major loss.
Cronkite was a towering media figure with whom few can be compared. Tributes from all over the globe by elder journalists poured in following his death. Only superlatives can be used to describe this newsman as he was among the best. In addition, to reading the news and anchoring the news desk, he also was an outstanding reporter and commentator and often did editorials.
He was seen as a legend. He was courageous, tough, fair and balanced. He went after every scandal and focused on the American hostage crisis in Iran that caused President Carter to lose the Presidency.
Americans used to look forward for the CBS Evening News at 7:00 P.M when Cronkite read the news for two decades. During his tenure, he attracted huge audiences and got high ratings bringing in large ad revenues. People enjoyed watching him.
When Cronkite read the news during the 1960s thru 1980, there were only three major TV channels and no cable or Dish TV. There was no 24 hour news channel (no CNN or BBC News was broadcast in the U.S). Thus, people depended on Cronkite and his colleagues at ABC and NBC for international news. And he best them.
His coverage of news events was outstanding. He was dedicated to his job often at the desk for hours at a time. Some people described him as the father of modern day journalism in America.
American journalism is poorer with Cronkite’s death. Practicing and aspiring Guyanese journalists should emulate his style.
Vishnu Bisram
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