Introduction
Have you ever heard of Harry Reasoner? If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat. He was an American journalist and news anchor who captured the hearts of millions of Americans. His voice was soothing, his demeanor was calm, and his reporting was unbiased. Harry Reasoner co-anchored “60 Minutes” and “ABC Evening News” during his illustrious career. Despite being a prominent figure in the world of journalism, much of his life remains shrouded in mystery.
In this blog post, we will explore the untold story of Harry Reasoner and how he became America’s favorite news anchor. We will delve into various aspects of his life, from his childhood to his legacy.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Harry Reasoner was born on April 17, 1923, in Dakota City, Iowa. He grew up on a farm and attended West High School in Minneapolis. After high school, he attended Stanford University, where he received a degree in journalism. It was during his time at Stanford that he started his career in journalism, working as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle.
After a brief stint in World War II as a correspondent for Stars and Stripes, Reasoner returned to journalism. He worked for several newspapers, including the Minneapolis Times, before moving to television.
Transition to Television
In 1956, Harry Reasoner made the transition to television, joining the CBS affiliate in Minneapolis. He quickly gained a reputation for his unbiased reporting and his soothing voice. In 1961, Reasoner joined CBS News and became a co-anchor of “60 Minutes” in 1970. He and his co-anchor, Mike Wallace, became known as the “odd couple” because of their contrasting personalities.
Reasoner left CBS in 1970 to co-anchor “ABC Evening News” with Howard K. Smith, where he remained until 1975. He then returned to CBS, where he worked until his retirement in 1991.
Harry Reasoner’s Legacy
Harry Reasoner’s legacy is one of unbiased reporting and journalistic integrity. He was respected by his peers and the public alike. Reasoner won numerous awards during his career, including three Emmy Awards and a George Polk Award for his reporting on the Vietnam War.
Despite his many accolades, Reasoner remained modest throughout his life. He once said, “I always thought of myself as just a working stiff who happened to be in the right place at the right time.”
Harry Reasoner’s Personal Life
Although Harry Reasoner was a public figure, he was also a private person. He was married to Kathleen Carroll, with whom he had three children. Reasoner was an avid golfer and loved spending time with his family. In his spare time, he also enjoyed reading and listening to classical music.
Harry Reasoner’s Death
On August 6, 1991, Harry Reasoner died of a heart attack at the age of 68. His death was a great loss to the world of journalism, and he is still remembered fondly today.
FAQs
Q1: What years did Harry Reasoner work as a co-anchor for “60 Minutes”?
A1: Harry Reasoner worked as a co-anchor for “60 Minutes” from 1970 to 1991.
Q2: What did Harry Reasoner study in college?
A2: Harry Reasoner studied journalism in college.
Q3: How did Harry Reasoner start his career in journalism?
A3: Harry Reasoner started his career in journalism as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle.
Q4: What awards did Harry Reasoner win during his career?
A4: Harry Reasoner won three Emmy Awards and a George Polk Award during his career.
Q5: What was Harry Reasoner’s personal life like?
A5: Harry Reasoner was married to Kathleen Carroll and had three children. He enjoyed golfing, reading, and listening to classical music in his spare time.
Q6: When did Harry Reasoner die?
A6: Harry Reasoner died on August 6, 1991.
Q7: What was Harry Reasoner’s reputation in the world of journalism?
A7: Harry Reasoner was known for his unbiased reporting and journalistic integrity.
Conclusion
Harry Reasoner was a journalist and news anchor who captured the hearts of millions of Americans. His soothing voice and calm demeanor made him a beloved figure in the world of journalism. Despite his many accolades, Reasoner remained modest throughout his life. He was an avid golfer who loved spending time with his family.
The world of journalism lost a great man when Harry Reasoner passed away in 1991. However, his legacy lives on through his work and the memories of those who knew him. Let us remember Harry Reasoner as a shining example of journalistic integrity and unbiased reporting.