For Immediate Release:
7/18/2009

Contacts:
Dave Aeikens, SPJ President, (320) 255-8744, daeikens@stcloud.gannett.com
Karen Grabowski, SPJ Communications Coordinator, (317) 927-8000 ext. 215, kgrabowski@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The Society of Professional Journalists is saddened to hear of Walter Cronkite’s death. The “Most Trusted Man in America” passed away yesterday at the age of 92. Cronkite died at his New York home after reportedly suffering from cerebrovascular disease for several years. Best known for his 19 years as the CBS Evening News anchor, Cronkite was one of the most distinguished and honored journalists in America.

“Walter Cronkite was truly a legend in broadcasting,” SPJ President Dave Aeikens said. “He set the standard for anchors today.”

Born in St. Joseph, Mo., Cronkite began his journalism career with the Houston Post and then with United Press as a battlefield correspondent during World War II. That foreign assignment launched his career, and Cronkite spent a large portion of the rest of his life changing and improving broadcast journalism.

"Walter was always more than just an anchor. He was someone we could trust to guide us through the most important issues of the day; a voice of certainty in an uncertain world," President Obama said in a statement yesterday.

A journalism pioneer, Cronkite was an active member of SPJ and contributed to the organization in a variety of ways. In an article published in the November 1962 issue of Quill, Cronkite prophesized that “there will be all sorts of ‘portables’” and the miniaturization of technology. Several years later in 2004, Cronkite spoke at the SPJ Convention in New York City. Cronkite hosted “A Conversation with Walter Cronkite,” speaking candidly about the Internet and the industry. Cronkite gave not only to the CBS audience, but also to fellow and aspiring journalists. His legacy to journalists and the industry is monumental, one to be celebrated and cherished.

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. For more information about SPJ, please visit www.spj.org.

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