July 17, 2009

SEJ members are saddened at the passing of Walter Cronkite, a member of our Advisory Board. He was a consummate professional, who redefined the role of television anchorman, and who inspired many of us to become reporters. He was fascinated and delighted by science, and especially by the space program, and after retiring as CBS News anchorman, he hosted "Walter Cronkite's Universe" for two years in CBS, and even covered John Glenn's return to space in 1998 for CNN. Walter Cronkite's credibility famously allowed him to return from a tour of Vietnam and report that the war was unwinnable. He unhesitatingly shared that credibility with SEJ — and gave us his stamp of approval! — saying "I would be honored to serve on the advisory board of the Society of Environmental Journalists." The honor was ours. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Cronkite family.