Dan Rather made a return to the CBS News airwaves for the first time in 18 years in an interview on “CBS Sunday Morning.” After spending 44 years at the network, with 24 of those as the anchor of the “CBS Evening News,” Rather left under a cloud of controversy following a botched investigation into then-President George W. Bush’s military record. Despite the fallout, Rather expressed his love for CBS and admitted to missing it since the day he left.
Although Rather was not officially blamed for the report that questioned Bush’s National Guard service, he was associated with it as the anchor who introduced it. The report was based on some documents whose authenticity could not be verified by CBS. Despite this, many people involved in the story still believe that the report was true. In the Netflix documentary “Rather” set to debut soon, Rather reflects on the incident and his feelings about his departure from CBS.
Instead of retiring after leaving CBS, Rather continued to work in investigative journalism and conducting interviews for HDNet, a digital cable and satellite television network. In recent years, he has also become a prominent figure on social media, engaging with a new generation of followers. Rather acknowledges the importance of adapting to new forms of media to stay relevant and remain in the game.
The documentary and the CBS interview both trace Rather’s illustrious career, including his coverage of major events such as President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, the Vietnam War, and Watergate. It also sheds light on some of the more peculiar incidents in Rather’s career, such as an assault in New York City where someone asked him, “What’s the frequency, Kenneth,” and a later collaboration with the band R.E.M. during a performance of their song with the same name.
When discussing his legacy, Rather chooses to focus on the importance of family and friends rather than his professional accomplishments. Despite his storied career in journalism, he believes that in the end, it is the personal relationships and connections that matter most. The documentary and interview offer a glimpse into the life and career of a legendary newsman who continues to make an impact even after leaving CBS.
David Bauder, who covers media for The Associated Press, provides insights into Dan Rather’s return to the spotlight and his reflections on his career in journalism. Rather’s journey, from his early days covering major events to his more recent work in digital media, serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of a respected journalist. Through the Netflix documentary and the CBS interview, viewers are given a deeper understanding of Dan Rather’s passion for reporting and his dedication to staying relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.
