Walter Cronkite signed off as the anchor of “CBS Evening News” for the last time. He hosted the show for 19 years, during which he was considered the “most trusted man in America.” Cronkite’s successor, Dan Rather, anchored CBS’s flagship nightly news program until 2005. Since then, it’s had a stream of anchors, the current one being Tony Dokoupil.
5 thoughts on “March 6, 1981 – Cronkite retires”
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And it was that way
Jason Remington • March 9, 2026
At the end of a Cronkite newscast, you were informed. You didn’t need an update at 9, 10 and 11pm.
Uncle Walter will catch you up tomorrow night.
Cronkite retirement.
Steve • March 11, 2026
How true. At the end of the broadcast, you had an excellent summary of the American news. Cronkite was the anchor and he was supported by an excellent group of reporters such as Marvin Kalb, Morley Safer, etc.
Cronkite Retiring
Mike Barer • March 9, 2026
And that’s the way it is!
Walter Cronkite
Steve • March 12, 2026
Do you remember the chattering teletypes in the background? They added to the authenticity of the program. The introduction was simple and straight to the point as well. “Direct from our CBS newsroom in New York……………” No silly graphics.
Hot off the wire
Jason Remington • March 12, 2026
The UPI and AP wire machines were a staple in the newsroom. It was fron the wire machine that reporters ripped the bulletin that Cronkite read on the air when Kennedy died.