50 Facts About Dan Rather

Early Life and Education

Dan Rather's journey to becoming a legendary journalist began in Texas. His early experiences shaped his career and dedication to news.

1. Dan Rather was born in Wharton, Texas, and moved to Houston with his family at a young age. His father subscribed to newspapers from across the country, instilling a love for news early on.
2. He graduated from John H. Reagan High School in 1950.
3. Rather attended Sam Houston State University, earning his journalism degree in 1953.
4. During college, he edited the school newspaper, "The Houstonian," and worked as a radio presenter for KSAM-FM, covering football games.

Early Career and Breakthroughs

Rather's early career saw him working in various roles, from teaching to reporting, before making a significant impact in television journalism.

5. Before joining CBS News, Rather worked as an Associated Press reporter in Huntsville, Texas, from 1950 to 1952.
6. He also worked for United Press International (UPI) during the same period.
7. Rather was a reporter for several Texas radio stations and the Houston Chronicle between 1954 and 1955.
8. After college, he taught journalism and briefly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps but was discharged for medical reasons.
9. In 1954, Rather became the news director of KTRH Radio in Houston.
10. By 1956, he had advanced to the position of news director and transitioned to television as a reporter for KTRK-TV in Houston in 1959.

Hurricane Carla and CBS News

Rather's coverage of Hurricane Carla was a turning point, leading to his long and storied career with CBS News.

11. In 1961, Rather became the news director at KHOU-TV, the CBS affiliate in Houston.
12. His coverage of Hurricane Carla that fall caught the attention of network executives.
13. He reported on the hurricane using the first radar image of a storm on television, leading to the evacuation of over 350,000 people.
14. In 1962, Rather joined CBS News as the chief of its Southwest bureau in Dallas.
15. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming chief of the Southern bureau in New Orleans in August 1963.

Major News Events and Reporting

Rather's career is marked by his coverage of significant historical events, from presidential assassinations to wars.

16. On November 22, 1963, Rather was in Dallas when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
17. He was the first journalist to report the news, breaking the story before any official announcement.
18. His coverage of the tragedy led to his promotion to White House correspondent in 1964.
19. As White House correspondent, Rather covered significant events, including President Lyndon B. Johnson’s return to Washington from Dallas.
20. He also reported on the Watergate scandal and President Richard Nixon’s trip to China.
21. In 1965, Rather served as a foreign correspondent for CBS in London.
22. In 1966, he reported from Vietnam, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and fearless journalist.

CBS Evening News and Beyond

Rather's tenure as the anchor of CBS Evening News and his work on other programs made him a household name.

23. In 1974, Rather became the chief correspondent for the documentary series CBS Reports.
24. The following year, he joined 60 Minutes as a correspondent, a role he held until 1981.
25. In 1981, Rather replaced Walter Cronkite as the anchor of CBS Evening News, a position he held until 2005.
26. During his tenure, he became known for his folksy "Ratherisms" and his willingness to jet overseas to cover international events.
27. In addition to his nightly duties, Rather was prominent on the news programs 48 Hours (1988-2002) and 60 Minutes II (1999-2005).

Controversies and Later Career

Rather's career wasn't without controversy, but he continued to contribute significantly to journalism even after leaving CBS.

28. In 2004, Rather aired a segment on 60 Minutes II accusing President George W. Bush of receiving preferential treatment during his time in the National Guard.
29. The segment was based on documents that could not be authenticated, leading to widespread criticism.
30. Rather apologized on air but stepped down as anchor of CBS Evening News on March 9, 2005.
31. After leaving CBS, Rather joined HDNet (later rebranded as AXS TV) and founded the newsmagazine Dan Rather Reports.
32. The show focused on investigative journalism and international reporting, earning three Emmy Awards for war and investigative reporting.
33. In 2012, Rather premiered a new show called The Big Interview, featuring in-depth conversations with celebrities and public figures.
34. Rather founded News & Guts, an independent production company, in 2006.
35. He also became a contributor to the website Mashable, sharing his insights on journalism and current events.

Books, Awards, and Honors

Rather's contributions to journalism have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, and he has authored several books.

36. Rather has authored or co-authored nine books, six of which have become New York Times bestsellers.
37. His memoirs include The Camera Never Blinks: Adventures of a TV Journalist (1977) and Rather Outspoken: My Life in the News (2012).
38. Throughout his career, Rather has received virtually every honor in broadcast journalism, including numerous Emmy and Peabody Awards.
39. In 1994, Sam Houston State University named its journalism and communications building after him.
40. His birthplace was dedicated as part of the Wharton County Historical Museum in 1997.

Legacy and Continued Influence

Even in retirement, Rather remains a significant figure in journalism, continuing to influence and inspire.

41. Rather’s coverage of Hurricane Carla in 1961 saved thousands of lives by initiating the successful evacuation of 350,000 people.
42. During the Vietnam War, Rather ventured into the field to give viewers a firsthand look at real combat.
43. He reported extensively on the Civil Rights Movement, covering racial conflicts in the South and the crusade of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
44. Rather covered the Watergate scandal extensively and was among those journalists who accompanied Nixon to China.
45. In 2001, Rather spent 53 hours and 35 minutes on the air, providing live coverage of the terror attacks on September 11.
46. In 2000, Rather anchored Election Night coverage, a marathon that kept him on the air continuously from 6:00 PM on Tuesday, November 7, to 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 8.
47. In 2004, Rather broke the story of prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
48. The newsmagazine Dan Rather Reports earned three Emmy Awards for war and investigative reporting.
49. In 2017, Rather published What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism, exploring themes of national identity and unity.
50. In the fall of 2016, Rather launched his Sirius XM one-hour show, Dan Rather’s America.

Dan Rather's Lasting Impact

Dan Rather's career is a testament to dedication and integrity in journalism. From his early days in Texas to becoming a household name on CBS Evening News, Rather's journey has been marked by significant events and fearless reporting. His coverage of Hurricane Carla, the Kennedy assassination, and the Vietnam War showcased his commitment to delivering the truth. Even after leaving CBS, Rather continued to influence the field through his work on Dan Rather Reports and The Big Interview. His numerous awards and honors reflect his contributions to journalism. Rather's legacy is not just in the stories he reported but in the standard he set for future journalists. His work continues to inspire and remind us of the power of honest reporting. Dan Rather remains a respected figure, proving that dedication to truth and ethics can leave an indelible mark on the world.