Dan Rather

Learn about Dan Rather—American broadcast journalist, longtime CBS news anchor, and media figure. Explore his biography, landmark reporting, controversies, and notable quotes.

Introduction

Dan Rather (born October 31, 1931) is an iconic American journalist known for his decades of television news reporting, documentary work, and commentary. Over a career spanning more than half a century, he covered pivotal moments in modern history—including JFK’s assassination, the Vietnam War, Watergate, and more—and served as anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News for 24 years, becoming one of the most prominent faces of television journalism in the United States.

Early Life and Family

Dan Irvin Rather Jr. was born in Wharton, Texas to Byrl Veda Page and Dan Irvin Rather Sr.

During his childhood his family moved to Houston, where Rather attended elementary and high school.

He then enrolled at Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville, Texas. While there, he edited the student newspaper The Houstonian and worked part-time in radio and reporting jobs to support himself. Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 1953.

Career Beginnings & Rise to National Prominence

Early Reporting Years

Rather’s journalistic career began early: in 1950 he worked with the Associated Press in Huntsville, Texas. United Press International, reported for local radio stations, and worked for the Houston Chronicle in the mid-1950s.

By 1959, Rather had made the transition to television, doing a weekly Coaches Show in Houston on KTRK-TV. KHOU-TV, a CBS affiliate, becoming news anchor and news director.

Hurricane Carla Coverage & National Breakthrough

A defining moment came in September 1961, when Rather’s live coverage of Hurricane Carla from Galveston used radar imagery overlaid with maps to help audiences understand the scale of the storm. His reporting is credited with prompting the evacuation of more than 350,000 people and drawing national attention. CBS News in 1962 as bureau chief for the Southwest.

At CBS News

Once at CBS, Rather held nearly every role a network reporter could: bureau chief, foreign correspondent, White House correspondent, war reporter.

In March 1981, following Walter Cronkite’s retirement, Rather became anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News—a position he held until March 2005, a 24-year tenure, the longest in American network evening newscast history.

Later Career, Controversies & Projects

The Killian Documents & Departure from CBS

In 2004, Rather became embroiled in a major controversy known as “Rathergate”. On 60 Minutes II, he presented documents—purported memos—that challenged President George W. Bush’s service in the Texas Air National Guard. The authenticity of these documents was quickly questioned, which triggered scrutiny, internal investigations, and public criticism.

Rather later sued CBS and its parent bodies, accusing them of using him as a scapegoat; the suit was dismissed in appeals court.

Post-CBS Work

After leaving CBS, Rather launched Dan Rather Reports (on AXS TV, formerly HDNet), a show focused on investigative journalism and deeper reporting, running 2006–2013. The Big Interview with Dan Rather, conducting long-form interviews with artists and cultural figures.

In 2018 he began hosting The News with Dan Rather, an online newscast via The Young Turks network. Steady on Substack in recent years.

Personality, Style, and Influence

Dan Rather is often remembered for his authoritative, straightforward, and sometimes folksy delivery. He combined a sense of gravitas with a willingness to ask tough questions.

He has publicly lamented a perceived decline in journalistic courage, once saying:

“What many of us need is a spine transplant.”

In interviews, he often emphasizes that true news sometimes involves exposing what those in power would prefer to stay hidden.

He is seen as a symbol of the era in which network news anchored a shared national conversation, and many younger journalists credit him as an inspiration for combining reporting, analysis, and moral conviction.

Notable Quotes

• “In the heart of every reporter worthy of their name … there’s a message that news, real news, is what somebody somewhere—particularly somebody in power—doesn’t want you to know.”

• “We have a duty to ask the hard questions. We owe that to our viewers, and ultimately to the truth.” (paraphrased from his reflections on journalism)

• “Courage. That’s what people ask me, ‘Dan, is this tough to do?’ I say, ‘Have more courage than fear.’”

• “While the news may begin in tragedy, the responsibility of journalism is to provide the possibility of redemption.”

Lessons from Dan Rather’s Life

1. Persistence and adaptability — Starting in local radio and newspapers, Rather climbed through multiple media platforms over decades.

2. Risk in journalism — His willingness to engage controversial stories reflects how journalism sometimes requires boldness and facing backlash.

3. Anchor vs. reporter roles — He illustrates how a journalist can move between field reporting and institutional leadership while retaining a public voice.

4. Ethical accountability — The Rathergate episode shows how even seasoned journalists can make errors—and how trust and reputation are fragile.

5. Voice beyond legacy — Rather’s later work in independent media and new platforms underscores the evolving nature of journalism and the need to stay connected to new audiences.

Conclusion

Dan Rather’s career spans an era when television journalism shaped public life. From live hurricane coverage that saved lives, to covering presidents and wars, to confronting ethical controversy, his journey is rich with lessons about power, truth, risk, and responsibility. Even after leaving network news, he continued to reinvent himself, reflecting the enduring relevance of journalism in new media forms.