EOTO #3: WALTER CRONKITE

Who was Walter Cronkite?

CHILDHOOD AND UPBRINGING: 

On November 4th, 1916, Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. was born. Cronkite was an only child, born in St. Joseph, Missouri, to his parents, Walter Cronkite Sr. and Helen Cronkite. He was raised in Kansas City and eventually relocated to Houston, Texas. Following his family's migration, Cronkite read about a foreign correspondent in the Boy's Life magazine. This storyline gave Cronkite the inspiration needed for his future career aspirations, eventually becoming one of the most significant news anchors on American television.

With his parents' separation in 1932, Cronkite went to live with his mother. He attended San Jacinto High School, where he edited the school's newspaper and even won a state journalism contest. From there, his career objectives strengthened with inspiration from a professional newspaperman volunteering at San Jacinto High School. Eventually, Cronkite worked at the Houston Post, employed as a copy boy, a delivery boy, and an occasional cub reporter.

MOVING INTO JOURNALISM:

Following high school graduation, Cronkite attended the University of Texas at Austin. Unfortunately, he withdrew from the institution due to low attendance records and academic struggles. Instead, he worked for the Houston Press. Then in 1936, Cronkite was employed at a radio station, where he met his future wife, Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" Maxwell. He was eventually fired from the position because of a refusal to air a breaking eyewitness report without verifying the source first. This striking moment highlights his commitment to journalistic integrity and ethical practice.

Instead, in 1937, he worked with the United Press wire service, where Cronkite developed skills of accuracy and composure, two essential elements of his career's success. He was offered another favorable position by CBS journalist Edward R. Murrow, but quickly turned it down.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT:

Throughout Cronkite's career, he went on to report the world's most unpredictable and transformative stories. In particular, he traveled with "The Writing 69th" in World War II. These eight journalists flew bombing raids over Germany. Cronkite also covered D-Day, the European front for the United Press, and became the chief United Press correspondent at the Nuremberg trials. 

Eventually, Cronkite moved to television with CBS. In 1952, he covered political conventions, and these reports heavily increased his national prominence. Due to Cronkite's efforts, CBS coined the term "anchorman" to depict his position. For the next nineteen years, Cronkite spearheaded CBS Evening News. In this role, he reported on the assassination of President Kennedy, the Apollo 11 Moon landing, the Watergate Scandal, President Nixon's resignation, etc. 

LEGACY: 

Comprehensively, Cronkite's work was more than simple news reporting. The CBS anchor represented the news for an entire generation of Americans. In 1972, a public poll indicated that he was the "Most Trusted Man in America." From there, Cronkite was recognized as the "Most Trusted Man in Television News," even after his retirement on March 6th, 1981. 

Furthermore, Arizona State University continued his legacy through the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Today, this institution continues to motivate the next generation of journalists. Cronkite was also inducted into the Television Hall of Fame as the second newsman in history. Overall, Cronkite represented what journalism could be, showcasing a standard that inspired many to come.

"And that's the way it is." - Walter Cronkite

AI DISCLAIMER: Claude AI conducted research and placed the information into script form. I edited the AI findings, adding proper format, links, and visual elements.

KEY POST - "Shock and Awe"

Shock and Awe

REFLECTION: 

INTRODUCTION:

Given the current state of our U.S. military and governmental decisions, JOU: Never Stay Silent continues to dissect the politics and journalistic approach to war reporting. In accordance with our course topics, the film, Shock and Awe, was able to climax a recurring historical pattern. 

In 2003 and now in 2026, the federal government continues to beat the drums of war while drafting claims of nuclear invasion. Shock and Awe highlighted the operational orders of the George W. Bush administration, particularly their decision to invade Iraq. 

Former President Bush
Addressing the Nation

The movie's primary characters were the Knight-Ridder News journalists. Knight-Ridder News was depicted as an outlet attempting to uncover the truth behind U.S. military directives. The film foregrounds the immoral actions of the mainstream media, specifically their effort to spread government propaganda. These efforts created a journalistic battle of inconsistent reporting. 

PRESS BEHAVIOR:

Following an analysis of Shock and Awe, a persistent concept was the behavior of press outlets. With the depiction of both news organizations, Knight-Ridder News and the main media outlets had distinct approaches. 

Knight-Ridder News focused on journalism ethics, serving as a watchdog to governmental corruption and fabrication. This newsroom was dedicated to uncovering the truth from insider sources. The journalists worked tirelessly to provide the American public with veracity, rather than blindly backing governmental claims.

Mainstream Media Outlets

On the other hand, mainstream media sources, such as The New York Times, continued to publish an echo of supposed Iraq-powered missile strikes and the government's warning of "threats" to national security. These outlets allowed disinformation to infiltrate their papers' publications, invading the minds of the American public. Outlets similar to The Washington Post were getting these updates straight from the George W. Bush Administration, setting the tone for societal opinion and blindness.

As uncovered in JOU: Never Stay Silent, the press's original objective was to support the public's voice, uncover government propaganda, provide reliable information on global events, and publish stories without the prevalence of political bias. With new business models and journalistic philosophies, the intention quickly shifted from honesty to financial gain.

PRESS V. GOVERNMENT CONFLICT:

In accordance with the pre-war period, natural conflict erupts between the press and the federal government. Presidential administrations, specifically the Commander-in-Chief, often expect the media to follow their initiatives, serving as a megaphone to spread their "insights." Once sources highlight an opposing narrative, the government indirectly silences these perceived "criticisms." Questions, concerns, and inconsistencies are left unresolved.

Jonathan Landay and Warren Strobel

CONFLICT BETWEEN JOURNALISTS:

With the Knight Ridder journalists' distinctive path, conflict intensifies among industry associates. Emotions of outrage erupt from the public and other journalists as publications continue to contradict one another.

With certain outlets unleashing anti-war sentiments and others expressing eager anticipation, the public is left in a state of confusion. These disagreements were viewed during a scene with Jonathan Landay and Warren Strobel. The two characters were enjoying a barbecue when a slight altercation erupted with two other men. Landay and Strobel attempted to back their outlets' findings, while the opposition argued using the claims of FOX News. This example highlights the effects placed on public opinion and resulting polarization. 

JOURNALISTIC HEROES:

In the film, the Knight Ridder journalists are depicted as heroes. This source uncovered the political facts rather than catering to one side of our already polarized nation. Therefore, the Knight Ridder's ethical conduct should be viewed as enlightening rather than threatening. As U.S. citizens, we must be informed on the TRUTH of governmental actions for our own education, critical thinking, and uprisings. As a result, the public, at large, should positively recognize these efforts and work to eliminate their own confirmation bias.

Former President Bush and
Current President Trump

PARALLELS BETWEEN 2003 AND 2026:

With the observations made in Shock and Awe, there were direct correlations between 2003 and 2026. In 2003, the Bush Administration was proclaiming that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and intended to strike the United States. Now in 2026, the Trump Administration is sending a parallel message with Iran as the primary aggressor. 

Now, there are similar tensions between journalists and the government. A distinct separation arises between the pro-war and anti-war voices.  The ability to analyze Shock and Awe highlighted the correlation between past military decisions and those occurring twenty-three years later.

As a result of the film, our current journalists should lead in accordance with the Knight Ridder news. The movie depicted the importance of honest and comprehensive publications, providing a hindsight 20/20. Overall, these historical events continue to underscore the significance of precaution, transparency, governmental oversight, and journalism ethics.

REFLECTION - Terms and Concepts

Journalism History

Following our EOTO #2: Terms and Concepts presentations, I was enriched on the extensive history of journalism. I explored the History of Campaign Coverage while my partner, Savannah Williams, highlighted the History of Supreme Court Coverage. There were several interesting and informative speeches spanning a wide range of topics, from fashion to election night coverage.

During our JOU: Never Stay Silent recitations, our class frequently exposed violations of First Amendment rights in wartime. The presentation on war reporting, completed by Mia Thompson, underscored the event's prominence while providing significant background. An interesting and evolving point was how technological expansion impacts war coverage. With the development of artificial intelligence, advances often create falsified photos and videos, skewing viewers' opinions and fueling the spread of misinformation. 

Wartime Reporting

In light of First Amendment violations, press freedom has been declining in countries worldwide. Certain nations have criminalized critiques of governing bodies, their actions, and officials. These restrictions create blind obedience, influencing media publications while spreading positive war incentives. More prominently, the connection between citizens' rights, inconsistencies in war reporting, and resulting public opinion was highlighted throughout Thompson's presentation. 

The Television Revolution

Furthermore, the history of late-night coverage is closely linked to political reporting and society's insatiable appetite for information. Melissa Morales covered the Pre-Broadcast Era, the Rise of "Instant" News, the Broadcast Age, the Television and Computer Revolution, and the Digital & Data Era. These distinct time periods underlined the evolution of late-night coverage and a continued desire for political awareness. During the Television era, citizens began to receive late-night programming featuring ongoing breaking news events (e.g., JFK assassination). Continued technological breakthroughs, including the prevalence of social media, have enabled a 24/7 information feed, creating constant debates, frequent misinformation, and polarization. 

Types of Journalism

Overall, I was intrigued by the vast connections across each discipline of journalism, focused on informing the public, refuting false information, serving as a watchdog, and engaging civil society.  

KEY POST - "The Five Star Final"

Five Star Final

REFLECTION:

INTRODUCTION:

After watching and analyzing The Five Star Final (1931), I found the concepts to closely align with the information studied in JOU-Never Stay Silent. Throughout journalism history, the penny press era was regarded as a groundbreaking period. This alteration resulted in a new business model, aimed at selling more papers at a lower price. Consequently, publishers were in constant demand for mass readership and circulation, producing dashing headlines, eye-catching images, and attention-grabbing stories. 

YELLOW JOURNALISM:

Alongside this pressure came the prevalence of yellow journalism. In particular, yellow journalism is described as publications that prioritize scandal and outrage over a just-the-facts approach. In The Five Star Final, The New York Evening Gazette allowed viewers to experience a taste of both the penny press era and yellow journalism.

NARRATIVE:

Joseph W. Randall and
Bernard Hinchecliffe

More prominently, The New York Evening Gazette was edited by managing editor Joseph W. Randall and owned by Bernard Hinchecliffe. As circulation declined, Hinchecliffe frantically searched for an appealing storyline. The owner informed Randall that the Gazette must publish a story on the 20-year-old Voohees murder case. Following an in-depth investigation and a breach of journalism guidelines, The New York Evening Gazette published the piece. Once Nancy Voorhees uncovered the newspaper’s objective, she committed suicide, followed by her husband, Michael Townsend. 

Gazette Voorhees Story

In the face of unethical practices and widespread corruption, the investigative journalists gathered the case's details and pressed for new information about Voorhees's life. These invasions of privacy include both the individual's current marriage and her daughter, Jenny Townsend's, upcoming wedding. Each effort significantly affected Voorhee's life, ultimately costing her livelihood and leading to the downfall of her family. 

More prominently, The Five Star Final storyline was embedded with plot twists, death, and unpredictable slander. Following Voorhee's suicide, the journalists unlawfully broke into her apartment, entered the room with her lifeless body, and took photographs. These actions were more than a mere violation. They were immoral, disgusting, and truly disheartening. This team of journalists sacrificed human decency for financial gain, thereby opposing the press's responsibility.

JOURNALISM ETHICS:

Through our course recitations, the media was heavily highlighted as a watchdog, exposing discrepancies in governmental actions, societal issues, and disasters. Instead, The New York Evening Gazette mirrored current journalistic tendencies, inaccurately relaying facts at the expense of others. 

CHARACTER BEHAVIOR: 

Regarding specific actions, Bernard Hinchecliffe’s behavior epitomized the violation of journalistic ethics. His proceedings as a press baron prioritized individual gain over social discourse. Conversely, Joseph W. Randall primarily relied on his employer’s instruction, eventually experiencing guilt and the adverse effects of their publication. According to Randall, "You thought of the murder and I committed it. But I did it for smaller profit. For wages. You did for circulation."

ETHICAL VIOLATIONS:

Concerning ethical obligations, journalists owe respect, accuracy, and humanity to those they write about. The public deserves the same core principles, along with transparency and dependability.

Despite the correlation between these expectations, they may lead to a conflict of interest, resulting in inconsistent publisher actions.

Miss Taylor

On the other hand, the proceedings of The New York Evening Gazette weren’t in the best interest of either party. As stated by Miss Taylor, Randall's secretary, "Well, Mr. Randall's worrying, because the owner's worrying him, because the owner's worrying over circulation." Rather, the Gazette’s leadership targeted mass readership and the resulting monetary gain. Overall, The Five Star Final accurately incorporated the information underscored in JOU-Never Stay Silent while highlighting the dangers of ethical violations in journalistic endeavors.

EOTO #2 - Terms & Concepts

The History of Campaign Coverage

How does a democracy decide who leads it? In large part, through journalism. The way journalists have covered political campaigns has changed dramatically over two centuries, shaped by technology, culture, and the ongoing tension between the press and societal elites.

THE PARTISAN PRESS:

In the early 1800s, there was no such thing as objective campaign coverage. Objectivity wasn't even a concept. Newspapers were openly owned and funded by political parties. In their position, newspapers were meant to rally supporters, rather than inform the public. The National Intelligencer existed to serve the Democratic-Republicans, while the New England Palladium championed the Federalists. Reporting on a campaign meant advocating for one side, acting as a weapon instead of a watchdog.

THE PENNY PRESS:

By the 1830s, there was an evident shift. Cheaper "penny press" newspapers needed to appeal to mass audiences rather than party loyalists, covering campaigns as news rather than advocacy. Reporters began attending rallies, describing crowds, and writing about candidates as subjects of public interest. The coverage was still sensational and often inaccurate. On the other hand, it planted the seed of campaign journalism as a distinct practice.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS AND NEWFOUND IMPORTANCE OF OBJECTIVITY:

By the late 19th century, the rise of wire services, including the Associated Press, created new pressure for neutral reporting. A single Associated Press dispatch ran in hundreds of papers with wildly different political leanings, forcing reporters into a more standardized and factual approach. From there, journalists began traveling with candidates, transcribing speeches, and filing dispatches from the trail. For the next century, this tradition would define political journalism.

RADIO AND TELEVISION DEVELOPMENT:

Regarding the 20th century, two seismic shifts emerged. In the 1930s, FDR's fireside chats highlighted an advanced mode of communication between politicians and voters. This tactic cut the press out entirely and focused on transparency. With this alteration, journalists moved into interpretation, describing not just what was said, but what it meant.

In the 1960s, the Kennedy-Nixon debate occurred. For the first time, television cameras turned a candidate's appearance, composure, and body language into political currency. Those who heard the debate on the radio thought Nixon won, while individuals who watched on TV gave the triumph to Kennedy. Campaign reporters suddenly had to cover optics as much as policy. These events resulted in the "horse race" era of coverage, obsessing over momentum and image rather than substance.

WATERGATE AND THE WATCHDOG:

Watergate transformed what journalists believed their job actually was. Woodward and Bernstein reported both what Nixon said and what he did. Their work proved that the press had a watchdog role that went far beyond the campaign trail. Journalism school enrollments skyrocketed in Watergate's wake.

With the development of cable news, a 24-hour hunger for campaign content began. Political operatives learned to feed the desire strategically through carefully timed leaks, spin rooms, and access journalism that rewarded friendly outlets. The lines between coverage and entertainment blurred. Following the internet's creation, the model shattered. Today, any reporter with a smartphone could break the news. These advancements transitioned the central challenge from access to truth.

The history of campaign coverage is a history of power, including who holds it, who questions it, and who gets to tell the story. This responsibility has never been simple, and it has never been more important.

AI DISCLAIMER: Claude AI conducted research and placed the information into script form. I edited the AI findings, adding proper format, links, and visual elements.

EOTO #1 - Institutions & Titans

 Henry Jarvis Raymond

- The New York Times - 

Henry Jarvis Raymond

Henry Jarvis Raymond (1820-1869) stands as a pivotal figure in the history of American journalism. During one of the nation's most turbulent periods, Raymond transformed newspaper standards.

As founder and first editor of The New York Times, Raymond helped pioneer principles of objective reporting and the established business model, continuing to influence journalism practices today. 

EARLY CAREER AND TRAINING 

Between 1841 and 1851, Raymond worked for various newspapers, including Horace Greeley's New York Tribune and James Watson Webb's Courier and Enquirer, as a journalist and associate editor. In this time period, Greeley was one of the era's most influential editors. Therefore, apprenticeship opportunities granted Raymond with essential journalistic training despite the pair's fundamentally different editorial philosophies.

In 1851, Raymond founded the New-York Daily Times with George Jones and Edward B. Wesley. At the Tribune, Jones and Raymond knew one another, commonly discussing the possibility of starting a newspaper themselves. 

The New York Daily Times

THE FOUNDATION

On September 18, 1851, the establishment of the New-York Daily Times represented a carefully planned venture. Unlike many newspaper startups of the era, Raymond insisted on substantial capitalization. He raised $100,000, an amount one hundred times greater than what Greeley had invested in the Tribune just a decade earlier. Therefore, this financial foundation gave the paper stability and promoted editorial integrity. 

EDITORIAL PHILOSOPHY AND MARKET POSITION

Furthermore, the paper would neutrally report the news, falling between the sensationalism of James Gordon Bennett's New York Herald and the idealism of Greeley's Tribune. 

In his inaugural editorial, Raymond articulated a philosophy of moderation, announcing his intention "to write in temperate and measured language and to get into a passion as rarely as possible," famously adding that "there are few things in this world which it is worthwhile to get angry about." This commitment to measured, fact-based reporting distinguished the Times in New York's highly competitive and partisan newspaper market.

Raymond's Office

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Raymond's innovations represented a crucial shift in American journalism. He developed principles of decency and reliability in reporting, establishing that news was a commodity requiring accuracy and freedom from personal bias. This emphasis on objectivity marked an important evolution away from the partisanship that dominated America.

The Times achieved immediate success, rapidly gaining circulation among educated, affluent readers who valued its measured tone and comprehensive coverage. The paper's Civil War reporting further cemented its reputation as a "newspaper of record."

CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Raymond's influence extended beyond journalism. He was elected speaker of the Assembly in 1851, lieutenant-governor of New York in 1854, and member of Congress in 1864. He played a crucial role in the Republican Party's formation and served as party chairman from 1864 to 1866, demonstrating how journalism and politics intertwined in nineteenth-century America.

Raymond's Obituary

LEGACY

In 1869, Raymond died unexpectedly at age 49, yet his journalistic principles endured. The Times' share price had risen from $1,000 to $11,000. More importantly, he created a model that proved quality journalism and commercial success aren't contradictory, but rather mutually reinforcing.

By establishing standards emphasizing factual accuracy, measured language, and editorial independence, Raymond helped professionalize American journalism. His work at the Times demonstrated that newspapers could be both commercially successful and editorially responsible—a model that influenced journalism's development for generations.

AI DISCLAIMER: Claude AI conducted research and placed the information into script form. I edited the AI findings, adding proper format, links, and visual elements.

Me in 500 Words

Photo: Ally Clos

Big-Little Reveal in AXO, featuring my Big, G-Big, and GG-Big

Striving toward SUCCESS & ACHIEVEMENT

"She believed she could, so she did." - R.S. Grey

With ample grit and ambition, I...

- became a first-generation college student.
- moved 535 miles from home.
- began my undergraduate studies at High Point University as a Presidential Fellow.
- brought in 40 college credits.
- was accepted into the Strickland L.I.F.T. Fellowship.
- rushed and received a bid from Alpha Chi Omega, meeting the BEST Greek Family.
- was selected as a University Ambassador!
- was chosen as a Student Government Association Freshman Senator.
- solidified my major, Political Science, and minor pairings, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies.

Photo: Wendy Castro

      Graduation from Union 

Catholic Regional High School

I began this journey in a small town in Union County, New Jersey. My parents, a stay-at-home mom and an electrical engineer, raised their three children with prominent values and a "can-do attitude." The pair continued to sacrifice, encouraging us to cherish education while prioritizing determination. These parental lessons and my undeniable love for information sparked an interest in higher education.

Following an initial visit to High Point University, I INSTANTLY recognized my end goal. At the same time, I recognized the associated financial demand. In conversation, I reaffirmed, "Not to worry, I'll figure it out." With these precepts in mind, I worked tirelessly, applying for hours to HPU's programs, scholarship opportunities, and other outlets of extended interest.

In January 2025, I committed to High Point University. With this moment of pride and achievement, a journey of opportunity and possibility unfolded before me.

Following my commitment, I laid out a page titled, Achievements at High Point University. There, I outlined every program, group, club, and position that I aimed to attain or participate in. This intentional path toward success allowed for direct application. I eventually attended Summer Advantage, achieved a 4.0 GPA, and became an avid participant in the HPU community. 

Within the Fall 2025 semester, I was blessed with utter abundance and achievement. 

Photo: Julia Foster

Alpha Chi Omega's Fall 2025 Bid Day

Beginning in September, I participated in Panhellenic's Fall 2025 Rush, immersing myself in a brand new experience. By the second weekend, I discovered my forever home, Alpha Chi Omega. AXO brought countless memories and, more importantly, the BEST Big, G-Big, and GG-Big - forever grateful for my Greek Family!

From there, I was accepted to serve as an SGA Senator, representing student priorities and interests. This opportunity presented beneficial insight and noteworthy career experience. 

Within the Admissions Department, I received a job as a University Ambassador, igniting my continued passion for leadership and communication. Similarly, I became a delegate for the North Carolina Student Legislature and a volunteer for both the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America and D-UP organizations.

Amidst the packed schedule, I successfully mapped out my course requirements, allowing for an early graduation. With the assistance of my mentors, I selected a Political Science major and a double minor in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice.

Overall, these moments of stress, celebration, and achievement have transformed my journey at High Point University. In all...

I believed it. I worked for it. And I did it.