“And That’s the Way It Is”: The Unforgettable Sign-Off and Legacy of Walter Cronkite

Introduction

In the history of American journalism, few figures have commanded as much authority, respect, and trust as Walter Cronkite. As the anchorman for the CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981, Cronkite was a constant, reassuring presence in millions of American living rooms during some of the most turbulent decades in modern history.

At the conclusion of almost every nightly broadcast, Cronkite delivered a signature phrase that became deeply ingrained in the American lexicon: “And that’s the way it is,” followed by the date of the broadcast. Simple, direct, and authoritative, those seven words came to symbolize news reporting rooted in integrity, objectivity, and truth.

The Origin and Impact of the Iconic Catchphrase

When Walter Cronkite assumed the lead anchor desk at CBS in April 1962, television journalism was undergoing a dramatic transformation. Network news broadcasts were expanding from 15-minute summaries to 30-minute evening programs, allowing for greater depth and investigative coverage.

Cronkite's Classic Sign-off Structure:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ "And that's the way it is, [Day of the week], [Date]."      │
│ Example: "And that's the way it is, Friday, March 6, 1981." │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Why the Phrase Resonated with Viewers

• An Anchor of Stability: During times of intense social crisis, war, and political scandal, Cronkite’s consistent closing line offered viewers a sense of closure at the end of the day.

• Symbol of Objectivity: The phrase suggested that the news was presented without bias, personal opinion, or sensationalism—just the facts as they occurred.

• Cultural Authority: The catchphrase solidified Cronkite’s reputation across the nation as “the most trusted man in America.”

Historic Broadcasts That Defined a Generation

Throughout his nearly two decades as CBS news anchor, Walter Cronkite guided the nation through monumental moments that shaped world history:

1. The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy (1963): Cronkite’s emotional on-air announcement breaking the news of President Kennedy’s death remains one of the most memorable moments in television history.

2. The Apollo 11 Moon Landing (1969): Displaying unbridled enthusiasm, Cronkite spent 27 consecutive hours covering the historic Moon landing, famously exclaiming, “Whew! Boy!” as Apollo 11 touched down.

3. The Vietnam War Special Report (1968): Following a personal fact-finding trip to Vietnam, Cronkite delivered a rare editorial concluding that the war was mired in a stalemate. His assessment notably influenced President Lyndon B. Johnson’s decision not to seek re-election.

4. The Watergate Scandal (1972–1974): CBS News provided comprehensive coverage of the scandal, explaining complex legal and political events clearly to the public.

Key Milestones in Walter Cronkite’s Broadcasting Career

Practical Lessons in Leadership, Ethics, and Integrity

Walter Cronkite’s approach to journalism offers invaluable lessons for media professionals, executives, and content leaders today:

• Prioritize Truth Over Speed: Cronkite believed that getting the facts right was far more important than being the first to report them.

• Maintain Professional Neutrality: By keeping personal political beliefs separate from news reporting, anchors can earn enduring trust across diverse audiences.

• Connect with Genuine Empathy: Audiences value authenticity. Showing genuine emotion during tragic events demonstrated Cronkite’s deep connection with his viewers.

Fascinating Facts About Walter Cronkite

• Aviation and Space Enthusiast: Cronkite was an avid fan of space exploration and was even selected as a candidate for NASA’s Journalist in Space Project.

• Presidential Influence: President Lyndon B. Johnson reportedly remarked after Cronkite’s 1968 Vietnam broadcast, “If I’ve lost Cronkite, I’ve lost Middle America.”

• Voice of Disney: After retiring from daily news, Cronkite voiced several educational films and narrated Disney’s Spaceship Earth attraction at Epcot for over a decade.

The Evolving Landscape of Broadcast Journalism

The era of Walter Cronkite represents a unique time in media history when a single trusted anchor could unite a nation around shared facts. In today’s digital age, media is highly fragmented across thousands of channels, websites, and social platforms.

Despite these changes, the demand for verified, ethical journalism remains as crucial as ever. Looking back at Cronkite’s famous sign-off reminds us of the timeless importance of accountability, clear facts, and integrity in public communication.

Conclusion

When Walter Cronkite delivered his final broadcast on March 6, 1981, he ended an era in broadcast television. His legendary sign-off, “And that’s the way it is,” was far more than a catchy phrase—it was a personal promise of truth and accuracy to the public. Decades later, Cronkite’s legacy stands as a gold standard for journalism worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What was Walter Cronkite’s famous sign-off catchphrase?

Walter Cronkite ended his nightly broadcasts with the phrase: “And that’s the way it is,” followed by the date.

2. How long was Walter Cronkite the anchor of CBS Evening News?

He served as the main anchor for nearly two decades, from April 16, 1962, until his retirement on March 6, 1981.

3. When did Walter Cronkite pass away?

Walter Cronkite passed away on July 17, 2009, at the age of 92.

4. Who succeeded Walter Cronkite on CBS Evening News?

Broadcast journalist Dan Rather succeeded Walter Cronkite as the main anchor of the CBS Evening News in March 1981.