Dan Rather made a return to CBS News after almost two decades, appearing in an interview on “CBS Sunday Morning” ahead of the release of a Netflix documentary about his life. Rather, who spent 44 years at CBS, including 24 as anchor of the “CBS Evening News,” left the network under a cloud in 2005 following a controversial report on then-President George W. Bush’s military record. Despite the fallout, Rather expressed his love for CBS and his desire to stay engaged in journalism.
Rather’s departure from CBS was marred by the controversy surrounding the botched investigation into Bush’s military service. Although he was not officially blamed for the report, the incident tarnished his reputation. The documentary “Rather” delves into his long career covering major events like President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, the Vietnam War, and Watergate. Rather’s wife pointed out that his clash with the president during his reelection campaign was bound to have consequences.
Following his exit from CBS, Rather continued his career in investigative journalism and conducted rock star interviews for HDNet. He has also embraced social media as a platform to share his opinions and engage with a new audience. Rather acknowledged that he needed to adapt to the changing landscape of journalism in order to remain relevant. In the interview with CBS, Rather expressed his desire to continue working and staying in the game.
The Netflix documentary and the CBS interview highlight some of the more unconventional moments in Rather’s career, including an incident where he was attacked in New York City with the assailant saying, “What’s the frequency, Kenneth,” and later appearing on stage with the band R.E.M. when they performed their song of the same name. Rather downplays his professional legacy in favor of focusing on his personal relationships and the impact he has had on those closest to him.
Despite the controversies and challenges he faced throughout his career, Dan Rather remains passionate about journalism and committed to staying involved in the field. The documentary offers an in-depth look at his life and career, showcasing the highs and lows of his time in broadcast journalism. Rather’s return to CBS News marks a significant moment in his career, allowing him to reflect on his past while looking towards the future.
