Eric Sevareid was born on November 26, 1912, in Velva, North Dakota, to Clara and Alfred Sevareid. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in journalism and storytelling, often writing for his school newspaper and participating in debate competitions. He grew up in a close-knit family and was deeply influenced by his Norwegian heritage.
After graduating from high school, Sevareid attended the University of Minnesota, where he continued to pursue his passion for journalism. He wrote for the school newspaper and honed his reporting skills, eventually graduating with a degree in journalism.
Sevareid's career in journalism began in the 1930s when he started working for local radio stations in Minnesota. His talent for storytelling and his ability to report on a wide range of topics quickly caught the attention of major news outlets, and he was soon hired by CBS News as a correspondent.
During World War II, Sevareid was sent to Europe to cover the news from the front lines. He reported on major events such as the D-Day invasion and the liberation of concentration camps, earning a reputation for his bravery and dedication to bringing the truth to the American public.
After the war, Sevareid continued to work as a correspondent for CBS, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture. He was known for his thoughtful analysis and insightful commentary, becoming a trusted voice in American journalism.
Sevareid did not retire until 1977, making him one of the longest-serving journalists in American history. In his later years, he continued to write and speak about the importance of a free press and the role of journalism in a democratic society.
Eric Sevareid passed away on July 9, 1992, but his legacy lives on in the generations of journalists he inspired and the impact he had on the field of journalism as a whole.
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