To viewers, he was Uncle Walter.

To other journalists, like me, he was Mr. Cronkite, sir.

When there was little reason to trust anyone in America (Viet Nam, rampant racism), he was the most trusted man in the land.

He wasn't actor-handsome like Peter Jennings. Or driven by demons like Dan Rather. Or seemingly omnipotent like Peter Mansbridge.

He was just the most trustworthy, ethical, decent man who ever anchored a TV newscast.

He was the gold standard in the honourable profession of journalism.

He was Walter Cronkite.

And that's the way it was.


Samantha Jones is a Canadian journalist publishing her erotic memoir at www.lulu.com)