Newscasters today should emulate & thank Mr. Walter Cronkite

The passing of legendary Newsman Walter Cronkite, though expected, still quite a blow for America, the world, and broadcasters everywhere.

There is a surefire reason Cronkite was known as the 'most trusted man in America' and no one will ever take that title away from him.

I'm not quite sure why television news today does not take a microscopic look at his style and try to emulate as much as possible.

I grew up watching David Brinkley and Walter Cronkite and the whole '60 Minutes' crew. Now that was news and a perfect era to be reporting the groundbreaking happenings taking place in the 50's, 60's and 70's...

Cronkite handled every story with accuracy, compassion, and clarity for his viewers.

He entered many areas that had never been visited before and aced them all.

He WAS the perfect man for the job.

He never made HIMSELF the focal point (as many broadcasters do), he reported the story and how it affected his audience.

I hope you all had the opportunity to see Sunday night's '60 Minutes' special presentation on Mr. Walter Cronkite. It was absolutely one of the best shows I have ever seen--the caliber production fit for Mr. Cronkite.

I can not do justice in this blog entry but would love to mention some of the top of mind stories that Mr. Cronkite covered, nailed, and reported that truly proved he was the best newsman and the 'most trusted man in America.'

He actually discovered the Beatles first. He aired a piece on their mania in his show causing Ed Sullivan to call Cronkite and inquire who these blokes were!?!?! I chuckled when Cronkite took his daughter Kathy to meet them. He said she never had much interest in her dad's job until she got to meet The Beatles!!!

The most memorable image none will ever forget is Cronkite reporting on the death of President Kennedy. He removed his glasses, spoke directly to the audience, and paused as he regained his composure and then trudged on with his report.

Cronkite proved in those seconds that it is ok for a newsman to be human, to show he is human and still keep his integrity.

Oh, the Cronkite Special was tremendous touching on Cronkite's reporting and candidness pertaining to Vietnam, Frank Sinatra's possible mob ties, the Alabama Church bombing, Woodstock (and his daughter's attendance!), and becoming a Grateful Dead fan.

It seems one of his greatest passions was following the NASA Space Program. Every time he reported on anything pertaining to NASA and the Space Program, you could see how proud he was not only to be an American but to be able to report about this groundbreaking story to his viewers. He was not afraid to show his emotion, which made him human and totally believable.

Even his closing statement, "And that's the way it is." He wanted a statement that made true sense following any story that ended his newscast, not just a 'catch phrase' people would remember him by.

In my opinion, Brian Williams captured one of the motivations that made Cronkite the best. Again, I'm not sure why more broadcasters do not take heed to this way of thinking. Williams said Cronkite believed to do your job the best you can, you've got to 'play' in equal amounts. Someone who works 24 hours a day does not do justice to his craft. Mr. Cronkite DID 'play' in equal amounts by sailing on his boats, spending quality time with his family, attending concerts and knowing he needed to step away every once in a while to rejuvenate.

Thank you for not only being a wonderful mentor to all broadcasters but for being an exemplary human being and one of the proudest Americans to ever walk this earth.

May you rest in peace on your yacht in the heavens, Sir.

Walter Cronkite
(1916-2009)

Former Channel 3 personality passes away

One of the most popular personalities here at Channel 3 passed away Tuesday morning.

Tom Haley succumbed after a bout with the flu which developed into pneumonia.

A pioneer in the broadcasting business starting his radio career in the early 40's, 88-year-old Haley appears to be most well-known for the time he co-anchored "Today in Cleveland" with another Channel 3 icon, Del Donahoo.

"Today in Cleveland" aired from 1981 to 1998. A wonderful way to wake up each morning in Cleveland--to fun, laughter, entertainment, humor, news of the day, weather, movie reviews, Tom's bad jokes, Martha's coffee, Tom & Del squabbling, Hank the Rooster, 'The Haley Shuffle,' and then Haley ringing the big bell to make sure everyone was awake!

It was a sad day when that show went off the air. We continued getting calls and emails for months and months! Tom and Del were kind enough to give me their cow step stool as a priceless memory. Their huge following consisted of a dedicated fan base who pledged their allegiance to not only to "Today in Cleveland" but to Channel 3.

I'm awfully lucky to have had the experience to work with both Tom and Del (still see Del in the office during the week).

Haley, at times, could appear quite intimidating. But, once you got to know him, he was a pussycat underneath his gruff exterior.

A true broadcasting legend, the likes of which they do not make anymore. They broke the mold!

Tom gave great advice, mostly by example exhibited in his many talents and versatility in this business (from writing, producing, on air, interviewing, voice overs, radio, television, hosting...).

Haley received the high honor of being inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle in 1991.

It's quite telling that Mr. Haley would pass on one of his favorite days of the year. A proud Irishman, he and Del would participate in the Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade every single year greeting their many fans with pride exuding from Tom's eyes for his heritage, his family, and at the time, his station.

Haley had 7 daughters, 9 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have not been released yet.