Deaths on February 15

Howard K. Smith, American journalist and actor (b. 1914)

Howard K. Smith: A Broadcast Journalism Pioneer and Member of the Famed Murrow Boys

Howard Kingsbury Smith (May 12, 1914 – February 15, 2002) was a towering figure in American journalism, whose illustrious career spanned radio, television, and political commentary. Revered for his astute reporting and distinctive voice, Smith distinguished himself across multiple facets of media, serving as an influential radio reporter, a groundbreaking television anchorman, a profound political commentator, and even appearing as a film actor.

His career was not merely long but profoundly impactful, shaping how generations received news and understood complex global events. From the tumultuous battlefields of World War II to the anchors' desks of major networks, Smith's commitment to delivering insightful, accurate news remained unwavering.

The Formative Years and the Murrow Boys

Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, Howard K. Smith's journey into journalism began abroad, a path that would critically shape his worldview and reporting style. He initially worked for the United Press International (UPI) in London before joining the legendary team of war correspondents at CBS News, famously known as the Murrow Boys. This elite group, handpicked by the iconic Edward R. Murrow, revolutionized broadcast journalism during World War II.

As one of Murrow's original and most prominent "boys," Smith's role was crucial. He was stationed in pivotal European locations, providing firsthand accounts that brought the stark realities of the war directly into American homes. His reports were characterized by their vivid detail, analytical depth, and unwavering courage. Notably, he was among the last American journalists to report from Berlin before the United States entered the war, offering chilling insights into the rise of Nazism. Later, he achieved another significant milestone by being the first American correspondent to report the fall of Berlin in 1945, and subsequently covered the historic Nuremberg trials, chronicling the accountability for wartime atrocities.

Transition to Television and Network Leadership

Following his distinguished service as a war correspondent, Howard K. Smith transitioned seamlessly into the nascent medium of television, becoming a key architect of its news landscape. He remained with CBS News, where his roles expanded significantly. Smith anchored "Douglas Edwards With the News" and later served as the moderator for the influential public affairs program "Face the Nation," where he interviewed prominent political figures and shaped national discourse. His calm demeanor and authoritative presence made him a trusted voice in American households.

A pivotal moment in his career came when he co-anchored the "CBS Evening News" with Eric Sevareid and briefly held the sole anchor position. However, Smith’s journalistic integrity and willingness to challenge the status quo led to his departure from CBS in 1961. This decision stemmed from a disagreement over his analysis in a documentary about segregation in the American South, where he concluded that the South was behind the times, a stance that CBS executives deemed too editorial.

He then joined ABC News in 1961, where he continued to make profound contributions. At ABC, he became a prominent fixture, most famously co-anchoring the "ABC Evening News" with Harry Reasoner for many years. This partnership became a hallmark of ABC News, solidifying its position as a major network news outlet. Smith's move to ABC not only showcased his adaptability but also his persistent pursuit of independent journalistic thought.

Political Commentary and Film Appearances

Beyond his anchoring duties, Howard K. Smith was celebrated as a perceptive political commentator. His analyses were often incisive, offering viewers a deeper understanding of political events and their potential ramifications. He had a unique ability to contextualize complex issues, making them accessible to a broad audience while maintaining journalistic rigor.

In addition to his prolific broadcasting career, Smith also ventured into acting, typically playing roles that mirrored his real-life profession. He appeared in several films, lending authenticity to his characters as a news anchor or commentator. Notable appearances include "The Best Man" (1964), "The Parallax View" (1974), and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (1977), where his recognizable voice and presence added a layer of realism to the cinematic narrative.

Legacy and Recognition

Howard K. Smith's impact on American journalism is indelible. He was a recipient of numerous accolades, including a prestigious Peabody Award in 1961 for his coverage of the Berlin Wall crisis and multiple Emmy Awards for his outstanding contributions to news and documentary. His career exemplified the evolution of broadcast news, from its nascent radio days to its established role on television. Smith is remembered not only for his reporting during historic moments but also for his unwavering commitment to ethical journalism and his influential role in shaping public discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Howard K. Smith

Who were the Murrow Boys?

The Murrow Boys were a team of pioneering war correspondents for CBS News, assembled by legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow during World War II. They became famous for their courageous and vivid radio reports from Europe, which brought the realities of the war directly to American listeners and fundamentally shaped broadcast journalism.

What was Howard K. Smith's role during World War II?

As one of the original Murrow Boys, Howard K. Smith served as a crucial war correspondent for CBS News. He reported from key European locations, including Berlin before the U.S. entered the war, and was the first American correspondent to report the fall of Berlin in 1945. He also covered the Nuremberg trials.

Why did Howard K. Smith leave CBS News?

Howard K. Smith departed from CBS News in 1961 following a dispute over his editorial analysis in a documentary about segregation in the American South. CBS executives deemed his concluding commentary, which expressed a strong viewpoint on the South's societal issues, as too editorialized for a news report, leading to his resignation.

What networks did Howard K. Smith work for?

Howard K. Smith worked for two major American television networks: CBS News (from 1941 to 1961) and ABC News (from 1961 until his retirement). He held significant anchoring and commentary roles at both, profoundly influencing their news divisions.

Did Howard K. Smith really act in movies?

Yes, Howard K. Smith did appear in several films. He typically played roles that aligned with his professional persona, often portraying a news anchor or commentator, lending authenticity to the on-screen narrative. Notable film appearances include "The Best Man" (1964) and "The Parallax View" (1974).