Dan Rather was born on October 31, 1931, in Wharton, Texas. He grew up in Houston, Texas, and attended Love Elementary School and Hamilton Middle School. He graduated from John H. Reagan High School in 1950. Rather then attended Sam Houston State University, where he majored in journalism and was a member of the student newspaper staff. He earned his bachelor's degree in journalism in 1953.
After graduating from college, Rather began his career as a journalist. He worked for various newspapers and radio stations before joining CBS News in 1962. At CBS, Rather quickly made a name for himself as a hard-hitting reporter, covering major events such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. He was known for his fearless reporting and willingness to go to great lengths to get the story.
In 1975, Rather became a correspondent for 60 Minutes II, where he continued to earn accolades for his reporting. In 1981, he was named the anchor of the CBS Evening News, a position he held for 24 years. During his time as anchor, Rather covered some of the most significant events of the late 20th century, including the Tiananmen Square protests, the Gulf War, and the September 11 attacks. He signed off every evening with the word "Courage," a fitting tribute to his fearless reporting.
Rather married Jean Goebel in 1957, and the couple had two children, a daughter named Robin and a son named Danjack. Rather has always been a private person when it comes to his personal life, choosing to keep his family out of the spotlight.
Throughout his career, Dan Rather has been recognized for his contributions to journalism. He has received numerous awards, including several Emmys and Peabody Awards. In 2012, he published his memoir, "Rather Outspoken: My Life in the News," which offers a behind-the-scenes look at his career and the world of broadcast journalism.
Even in his retirement, Dan Rather remains active in the world of journalism. He hosts a weekly news program on AXS TV and continues to write and comment on current events. Despite the changing landscape of news media, Rather's commitment to honest, fearless reporting remains as strong as ever.
Dan Rather's career in journalism is a testament to his dedication and passion for reporting the truth. From his early days as a young reporter to his decades as a respected news anchor, Rather has left an indelible mark on the world of broadcast journalism. His commitment to uncovering the facts and telling the stories that matter has inspired generations of journalists to follow in his footsteps.
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