Bob Schieffer, American journalist and author

Bob Schieffer: A Pillar of American Broadcast Journalism

Born on February 25, 1937, Bob Lloyd Schieffer stands as one of the most distinguished figures in American television journalism. His career, spanning decades, is a testament to unwavering dedication to political reporting and an unparalleled presence on the national stage. Schieffer became a household name for his insightful moderation of presidential debates, a role where his incisive questioning and fair-minded approach consistently earned him widespread praise and respect from both sides of the political spectrum.

Unmatched Coverage of Washington's Corridors of Power

What truly sets Bob Schieffer apart is his virtually unmatched breadth of experience in Washington D.C. He is among a very select group of journalists who have had the extraordinary opportunity to cover all four of the capital's most significant national assignments. This comprehensive portfolio includes reporting from the White House, the Pentagon, the United States Department of State, and the United States Congress. This deep, firsthand understanding of the mechanisms of government and foreign policy allowed him to provide viewers with an incredibly nuanced perspective on national affairs, a cornerstone of his long and illustrious tenure at CBS News.

A Distinguished Career at CBS News

Schieffer’s nearly exclusive focus on national politics defined his extensive career with CBS News, where he began in 1969. His journey saw him interview every United States President since Richard Nixon, along with nearly every major candidate vying for the nation's highest office, cementing his status as a trusted voice in political discourse. His roles at CBS were varied and impactful:

• Anchor of the Saturday Edition of CBS Evening News (1976-1996): For two decades, Schieffer anchored the weekend broadcast, bringing the week's political developments into homes across America.
• Chief Washington Correspondent (1982-2015): Serving in this pivotal role for over three decades, he led the network's capital coverage, providing in-depth analysis and breaking news directly from the heart of American power.
• Moderator of Face the Nation (1991-May 31, 2015): Perhaps his most iconic role, Schieffer guided this prestigious Sunday public affairs program for 24 years, facilitating crucial discussions with political leaders and newsmakers. His steady hand and insightful questions made Face the Nation a must-watch for those seeking clarity on national issues.
• Interim Weekday Anchor of CBS Evening News (March 10, 2005 - August 31, 2006): During a transitional period for the flagship evening broadcast, Schieffer stepped in, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the network. He also frequently served as a primary substitute anchor for both Katie Couric and Scott Pelley.

Continuing Contributions and New Ventures

Even after stepping down from his full-time moderating duties on Face the Nation in 2015, Bob Schieffer remained an invaluable asset to CBS. He continued to work as a contributor, lending his seasoned political commentary and unparalleled insights to the network's coverage, notably during the highly scrutinized 2016 presidential election. Always one to embrace new forms of media, Schieffer has also ventured into the digital realm, currently releasing episodes of his compelling podcast, "Bob Schieffer's 'About the News' with H. Andrew Schwartz," offering listeners his unique perspective on current events.

Author and Chronicler of American Politics

Beyond his on-air presence, Schieffer has shared his extensive knowledge and experiences through several acclaimed books, providing readers with a deeper look into the world of journalism and politics:

• Face the Nation: My Favorite Stories from the First 50 Years of the Award-Winning News Broadcast
• This Just In: What I Couldn't Tell You on TV (a revealing memoir where he credits his early days as a beat reporter for his remarkable longevity at CBS)
• Bob Schieffer's America

In 1989, he also co-authored The Acting President, a book about Ronald Reagan, with Gary Paul Gates.

A Legacy Honored: Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his remarkable journalism career, Bob Schieffer has amassed virtually every major award in broadcast journalism, a testament to his profound impact and integrity:

• Eight Emmy Awards, a hallmark of excellence in television.
• The prestigious Overseas Press Club Award.
• The Paul White Award, presented by the TV News Directors Association, recognizing a lifetime of achievement.
• The Edward R. Murrow Award, bestowed by Murrow's alma mater, Washington State University, honoring his commitment to journalistic integrity.

His significant contributions have also been recognized through various esteemed inductions:

• Inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2002.
• Inducted into the National Academy of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in 2013.

In 2008, the Library of Congress further honored him by naming him a "living legend," acknowledging his enduring influence on American media. Today, Schieffer continues to contribute to the discourse as the Walter Shorenstein Media and Democracy Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center, sharing his wisdom with future generations of journalists and policymakers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bob Schieffer

Who is Bob Schieffer?

Bob Schieffer is a highly respected American television journalist, best known for his extensive career with CBS News, particularly as the moderator of Face the Nation and as the Chief Washington Correspondent.

What is Bob Schieffer famous for?

He is most famous for his skillful moderation of U.S. presidential debates, his unparalleled coverage of the White House, Pentagon, State Department, and Congress, and his long tenure as an anchor and correspondent for CBS News.

When did Bob Schieffer debut his career in broadcast journalism?

While he began his journalism career earlier, he joined CBS News in 1969, marking the start of his prominent national broadcast career.

What major roles did Bob Schieffer hold at CBS?

His key roles included anchor of the Saturday edition of CBS Evening News, Chief Washington Correspondent, and moderator of Face the Nation. He also served as an interim weekday anchor for CBS Evening News.

What books has Bob Schieffer written?

He has authored several books, including Face the Nation: My Favorite Stories from the First 50 Years, This Just In: What I Couldn't Tell You on TV, and Bob Schieffer's America. He also co-authored The Acting President.

What awards has Bob Schieffer won?

Bob Schieffer has won numerous accolades, including eight Emmy Awards, the Overseas Press Club Award, the Paul White Award, and the Edward R. Murrow Award. He is also an inductee of the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and the National Academy of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame.