CBS Radio Reflects on Viet Nam, News of 1966

CBS NEWS 1966: The Correspondents Report

In the featured audio presentation (below), CBS News presents the network’s correspondents year-end views, opinions, and share their perspective on Viet Nam, and other news of 1966.

CBS Radio Network

The CBS Radio Network, now known as CBS News Radio, was established in 1927 as United Independent Broadcasters. It was later renamed the Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System and eventually became the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). The network provided news and cultural programming to radio stations across the United States. CBS Radio was known for its innovative programming and played a significant role in the development of radio broadcasting. In 2017, CBS Radio was sold to Entercom, now known as Audacy, Inc.

The 1960s CBS Radio Correspondents:

Walter Cronkite was born on November 4, 1916, was an American broadcast journalist who served as the anchorman for the CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981. He was often referred to as “the most trusted man in America” due to his calm and authoritative delivery of news. Cronkite reported on many significant events, including World War II bombings, the Nuremberg trials, the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was also known for his extensive coverage of the U.S. space program. Walter Cronkite, the iconic CBS news anchor, passed away on July 17, 2009, at the age of 92.

Charles Collingwood was an American journalist and war correspondent who was an early member of Edward R. Murrow’s group of foreign correspondents known as the “Murrow Boys.” He covered Europe and North Africa during World War II for CBS News. Collingwood was known for his eloquent on-air reporting and was among the early ranks of television journalists. He remained with CBS after the war and became a prominent television journalist, covering President Kennedy’s administration, and his assassination. Collingwood also hosted the CBS documentary series “Adventure” and serving as the chief correspondent for CBS’s “Eyewitness to History” series. He passed away, October 3, 1985, at the age of 68.

Mike Wallace was an American journalist, game show host, actor, and media personality. He was one of the original correspondents featured on the CBS news program “60 Minutes,” which debuted in 1968. Wallace was known for his investigative journalism and interviewed a wide range of prominent news makers during his seven-decade career. He retired as a regular full-time correspondent in 2006 but continued to appear occasionally on the series until 2008. Mike Wallace passed away on April 7, 2012, at the age of 93.

The CBS Radio Network: The Correspondents Report 1966

Audio Digitally Remastered by USA Radio Museum | The featured CBS Radio audio presentation is owned and courtesy of Gordon Skene, of the Past Daily website.

Morley Safer was a Canadian-American broadcast journalist, reporter, and later became a Viet Nam war correspondent for CBS News. He was best known for his long tenure on the news magazine “60 Minutes,” which he joined in 1970. Safer was the longest-serving reporter on “60 Minutes” and received numerous awards during his 60-year career, including 12 Emmys and three Peabody Awards. He was known for his stylish stories and tough questions, making him one of television’s most enduring stars. Morely passed away on May 19, 2016, at the age of 84.

Eric Sevareid was an esteemed American broadcast journalist and author, born on November 26, 1912, in Velva, North Dakota. He was one of the original members of Edward R. Murrow’s team of war correspondents, known as the “Murrow Boys.” Sevareid joined CBS News in 1939 and became renowned for his eloquent and insightful reporting. During World War II, Sevareid was the first to report the fall of Paris in 1940 when the city was captured by German forces. He later joined Murrow in London to cover the Battle of Britain and other significant events. Sevareid’s post-war assignments took him to various parts of the world, including France, Germany, and Britain. Sevareid became a prominent commentator on the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite, where he provided analysis and commentary on major news events from 1962 to 1977. He retired from CBS News in 1977. Sevareid passed away at the age of 79, on July 9, 1992.

Roger Mudd was a distinguished American broadcast journalist who worked for CBS News and NBC News. He was born on February 9, 1928, and passed away on March 9, 2021. Mudd joined CBS News in 1961 as a congressional correspondent and later became a national affairs correspondent. He was known for his insightful political reporting and his role as a substitute anchor for the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. Mudd also covered the 1968 presidential campaign of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and was one of the last to interview him before his assassination. Throughout his career, Mudd received numerous awards, including the Peabody Award and five Emmy Awards. He was known for his integrity, character, and dedication to journalism. Roger Mudd, the veteran journalist, correspondent, and anchor for CBS news, passed away on March 9, 2021. He was 93.

During the 1960s, these correspondents played a crucial role in shaping CBS’s reputation as a leading news organization with their coverage on radio and television, at home, and from around the globe.