CBS Evening News

Definition

CBS Evening News is a flagship television news program that has been a major source of national and international news in the United States since its debut in 1963. It played a crucial role in shaping public perception of significant events, especially during pivotal moments like the Vietnam War, where it provided real-time coverage and analysis of the conflict, influencing viewers' understanding and sentiment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CBS Evening News was among the first television news programs to deliver comprehensive coverage of the Vietnam War, often broadcasting footage from the front lines.
2. Walter Cronkite famously declared the Vietnam War as 'mired in stalemate' after his 1968 broadcast, which significantly impacted public perception and policy discussions regarding U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
3. The program utilized new technologies like video cameras and satellite communications to bring immediate coverage of events occurring in Vietnam to American living rooms.
4. CBS Evening News provided a platform for investigative journalism, shining a light on controversial issues such as the My Lai Massacre, which contributed to growing anti-war sentiment in the U.S.
5. The influence of CBS Evening News during the Vietnam War marked a turning point in how news was reported and consumed, demonstrating the power of television as a medium for journalism.

Review Questions

• How did CBS Evening News impact public perception of the Vietnam War through its coverage?
  • CBS Evening News significantly impacted public perception of the Vietnam War by providing graphic and immediate coverage of events happening on the ground. The program showcased not only the combat but also the human cost of the war, often featuring heartbreaking images that resonated deeply with viewers. This unfiltered presentation led many Americans to question U.S. involvement and fueled growing anti-war sentiments across the country.
• Discuss Walter Cronkite's role as an anchor on CBS Evening News and how his reporting influenced U.S. policy during the Vietnam War.
  • Walter Cronkite's role as an anchor on CBS Evening News was pivotal, especially during the Vietnam War. His report in 1968, where he characterized the war as a 'mired in stalemate,' is widely regarded as a turning point in media influence on public opinion. This statement resonated with many Americans and even reached policymakers, causing them to reconsider their approach to Vietnam, thus demonstrating how journalism can directly impact political decision-making.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of CBS Evening News' coverage of the Vietnam War on television journalism and viewer trust.
  • The long-term effects of CBS Evening News' coverage of the Vietnam War on television journalism are profound. It set a precedent for how wars are reported, emphasizing transparency and immediacy. This shift changed viewer expectations about news coverage, leading to increased skepticism towards government narratives and fostering a demand for more critical journalism. As viewers became more aware of the complexities and harsh realities of war through televised reports, their trust in media became intertwined with their perceptions of governmental integrity, creating a lasting impact on American journalism.

Related terms

Walter Cronkite: A legendary American broadcast journalist who served as the anchor of CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981, known for his authoritative reporting and his pivotal role during the Vietnam War.

Television Journalism: A form of journalism that involves reporting news through television broadcasts, emphasizing visual storytelling and live coverage.

Vietnam War Coverage: The journalistic reporting and broadcasting of events related to the Vietnam War, which transformed public opinion and raised awareness about the realities of war.