Walter Cronkite's Net Worth and Salary
Walter Cronkite, the esteemed American broadcast journalist, had a net worth of $20 million at the time of his death in July 2009. Born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, in November 1916, Cronkite earned his reputation as the 'most trusted man in America' during his tenure as the anchorman for CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981.
Notable Reporting Events
Cronkite's career was marked by his coverage of several pivotal events, such as:
- World War II bombings
- Combat in the Vietnam War
- The Nuremberg trials
- Watergate scandal
- The assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
- The murder of John Lennon
He also became the only non-NASA recipient of a Moon-rock award for his coverage of the U.S. space program.
Signature Style and Recognition
Cronkite was well-known for his memorable sign-off phrase, "And that's the way it is," followed by the broadcast's date. Throughout his career, he received several prestigious awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University is named in his honor, recognizing his significant contributions to the field.
Career Earnings and Later Years
In 1981, Walter Cronkite signed his largest contract, a 7-year deal worth $1 million annually, equivalent to about $2.7 million per year today. After transitioning his position to Dan Rather in 1988, CBS retained Walter as a consultant for $150,000 per year. Despite receiving lucrative offers from other networks, Walter chose to stay with CBS, preferring a more relaxed schedule towards the end of his career.
On July 17, 2009, Walter Cronkite passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of trusted journalism and unparalleled storytelling.
