Tom Brokaw

Learn about the life and career of Tom Brokaw, the influential American journalist and author, born February 6, 1940, known for anchoring NBC Nightly News, his books like The Greatest Generation, and his role in shaping broadcast journalism.

Introduction

Thomas John Brokaw (born February 6, 1940) is a distinguished American broadcast journalist, author, and storyteller. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he became one of the “Big Three” anchors in U.S. television news and chronicled the 20th century with authority, empathy, and gravitas. His legacy encompasses both journalism and historical writing, with works that reflect on American identity, sacrifice, and cultural memory.

Early Life and Family

Brokaw was born in Webster, South Dakota, to Eugenia “Jean” (née Conley) and Anthony Orville “Red” Brokaw.

He is the eldest of three brothers.

As a high school student at Yankton Senior High, Brokaw took part in American Legion Boys State, and in that capacity accompanied Governor Joe Foss to New York on a television program—a moment he later credited as foreshadowing his interest in journalism.

Education and Early Career

After high school, Brokaw enrolled at the University of Iowa, but left after his freshman year. University of South Dakota, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, graduating in 1962, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Brokaw’s journalism career began in local television at KTIV in Sioux City, Iowa (1960–1962), followed by stints at KMTV in Omaha, Nebraska, and WSB-TV in Atlanta. NBC News, initially based in Los Angeles for KNBC.

Broadcast Career & Major Milestones

Rise at NBC

Throughout the 1970s, Brokaw advanced through NBC News. He served as White House correspondent during the Watergate era and anchored weekend editions of NBC Nightly News. The Today Show with Jane Pauley, a role he held until 1981.

In 1982, he became a co-anchor of NBC Nightly News (sharing duties initially with Roger Mudd), and by 1983 he became the sole anchor and managing editor of the program.

He also made history by being the first English-language journalist to report on the fall of the Berlin Wall live, working from East Berlin after a press conference where East German official Günter Schabowski announced an easing of border restrictions.

Brokaw remained anchor until December 1, 2004, when he stepped down and was succeeded by Brian Williams. Special Correspondent, producing reports, commentary, and documentaries until retiring from NBC in 2021.

Writing & Other Works

In addition to journalism, Brokaw is a prolific author. His notable writings include:

• The Greatest Generation (1998) – Celebrating Americans who grew up during the Great Depression and fought in WWII.

• The Greatest Generation Speaks; An Album of Memories; A Long Way from Home; Boom!: Voices of the Sixties; The Time of Our Lives

• A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope (2015) – an introspective memoir that also discusses his battle with cancer.

• The Fall of Richard Nixon: A Reporter Remembers Watergate (2019).

He has also narrated and contributed to documentaries, and his reporting style emphasized depth, historical context, and the human dimension behind headlines.

Awards, Honors & Recognition

Brokaw’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades:

• Two Peabody Awards and multiple Emmy Awards

• Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Barack Obama in 2014, for his work as a chronicler of the American “Greatest Generation.”

• The French Legion of Honor in 2016

• Induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame

His reputation in journalism is often paired with those of Peter Jennings (ABC) and Dan Rather (CBS), forming a trio that defined network news in the late 20th century.

Personal Life & Challenges

Tom Brokaw has been married to Meredith Lynn Auld since 1962, and the couple have three daughters. Montana, reflecting his love for rural life and reconnection to his Midwest roots.

In 2013, Brokaw was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a chronic cancer of plasma cells.

In April 2018, allegations surfaced accusing Brokaw of making unwanted sexual advances in the 1990s. He denied the allegations, and many peers in the industry publicly defended him.

Legacy and Influence

Tom Brokaw’s legacy is multi-faceted:

• As an anchor, he helped define the tone of network news in the U.S., blending gravity, fairness, and familiarity.

• His books, especially The Greatest Generation, have influenced public memory of WWII and American identity.

• He bridged journalism and historical narrative, emphasizing storytelling that connects events to human experience.

• His longevity at NBC (55 years) is rare in modern media careers.

Through interviews, reports, and writing, Brokaw has contributed to how Americans understand their collective past and present.

Selected Quotes

While Brokaw is more revered for his reporting than pithy aphorisms, some notable observations include:

• “America was a place where people could rise, no matter from where they started.”

• “My generation has felt the blessing of being on the winning side of history.”

• In A Lucky Life Interrupted, he reflects on adversity, hope, and perseverance—“You tell yourself you can’t give up.”

These lines underscore his commitment to resilience, reflection, and the American narrative.

Lessons from Tom Brokaw’s Life

1. Commitment and consistency matter.
   A long career of integrity builds trust that sustains influence.

2. Contextual storytelling enriches journalism.
   Brokaw blended history, interview, and reportage to deepen public understanding.

3. Embrace vulnerability.
   His memoir and openness about illness humanize a public figure and deepen connection with readers.

4. Honor ordinary people.
   Much of his work elevates everyday individuals and generations often overlooked.

5. Adaptation in changing media.
   Brokaw transitioned from local reports to network anchoring, then to documentary and authorial voices.

Conclusion

Tom Brokaw is among the iconic figures in American journalism—his voice, presence, and dedication shaped how many Americans experienced news and understood history. Through anchoring, writing, and reflection, he has left a legacy of gravitas, trust, and storytelling. If you like, I can provide a detailed timeline of his career, analyze one of his books (e.g. The Greatest Generation), or compare his style with other major news anchors. Would you like me to do that?