Dan Rather made a long-awaited return to CBS for an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, marking his first appearance on the network since departing over a decade ago. The interview comes just days before the premiere of a Netflix documentary detailing his life and career at the network. Rather spent an impressive 44 years at CBS, with 24 of those years dedicated to anchoring the CBS Evening News.
However, Rather’s departure from CBS was not without controversy. An investigation into then-President George W. Bush’s military record raised questions about the journalistic practices employed by Rather and his team. This ultimately led to Rather stepping down as anchor on March 9, 2005, and leaving the network altogether when his contract expired 15 months later.
In his recent interview with correspondent Lee Cowan, Rather expressed a deep sense of longing for CBS, stating, “Without apology or explanation, I miss CBS. I’ve missed it since the day I left.” This sentiment speaks to the profound impact that his time at the network had on his life and career.
When asked about his passion for reporting, Rather admitted that he had always been driven by a relentless pursuit of the truth. He stated, “I’ve never quite known the answer to that question. All I know is, it’s the only thing I ever wanted to be, was a reporter. I get up every morning and as soon as my feet hit the ground, I say, where’s the story?”
Following his departure from CBS, Rather continued to pursue investigative journalism and conduct major interviews for HDNet, a digital cable and satellite television network. He spoke candidly in the interview about the need to adapt to changing venues and methods in order to stay relevant in the field of journalism. Rather emphasized the importance of staying engaged and continuing to report on stories that matter.
Rather reflected on his legacy, underscoring the importance of family and friends above all else. He stated, “In the end, whatever remains of one’s life – family, friends – those are going to be the things for which you’re remembered.” This poignant acknowledgment speaks to Rather’s understanding of the impact that personal relationships have on one’s lasting legacy.
Dan Rather’s return to CBS and candid reflections on his career and legacy serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of his work as a journalist. Despite facing challenges and controversy throughout his career, Rather’s unwavering dedication to reporting on the truth has solidified his place in the annals of journalism history.