Tom Brokaw, American journalist and author

Tom Brokaw: A Defining Voice in American Broadcast Journalism

Thomas John Brokaw, born on February 6, 1940, stands as an iconic American retired network television journalist and acclaimed author. His illustrious career, spanning over five decades predominantly with NBC News, established him as one of the most trusted and influential figures in broadcast journalism during a transformative era for the United States and the world.

A Legacy Across NBC's Premier News Programs

Brokaw’s journey with NBC News began in 1966. He quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating a remarkable versatility that would see him hold pivotal positions across the network's most prominent news programs.

Pioneering Roles at NBC News

He first gained widespread national recognition as the co-anchor of the influential morning news program, The Today Show, a role he held from 1976 to 1981, sharing the desk with co-anchor Jane Pauley. This period was significant for The Today Show, solidifying its status as a morning television staple. Prior to this, Brokaw served as a weekend anchor for NBC Nightly News from 1973 to 1976, providing him with essential experience in the network's flagship evening broadcast.

Remarkably, Tom Brokaw holds the unique distinction of being the only person to have hosted all three major NBC News flagship programs: The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, and, albeit briefly, Meet the Press. This rare feat underscores his profound understanding of news across different formats and his enduring value to the network. Following his primary anchoring roles, he continued to contribute as a special correspondent for NBC News, offering insightful reports and analysis on key events.

Leading the Nation: Anchor of NBC Nightly News

Brokaw's most renowned and impactful role was as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News, a position he held for 22 years, from 1982 to 2004. During his tenure, he became a household name and a consistent, reassuring presence in American homes, reporting on some of the most significant historical events of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. As managing editor, he held crucial responsibilities for the editorial direction and content of the program, ensuring its journalistic integrity and depth.

The "Big Three" Era: A Defining Period in Broadcast News

During the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, Tom Brokaw was recognized as one of the "Big Three anchors" in American network television news. This influential triumvirate also included Peter Jennings at ABC News and Dan Rather at CBS News. These three journalists collectively dominated the national news landscape, each anchoring their respective network's flagship nightly news programs for more than two decades. Their parallel careers and shared longevity solidified their immense influence, making them the primary source of daily information and analysis for millions of Americans during a less fragmented media environment. Interestingly, all three either retired from their anchor chairs or, in Peter Jennings' case, passed away, within a year of each other, marking the end of a unique era in broadcast journalism. (It is worth noting that Dan Rather's departure from CBS was notably influenced by controversy surrounding a segment broadcast on 60 Minutes II.)

Beyond the Anchor Desk: An Acclaimed Author

Beyond his distinguished career in television journalism, Tom Brokaw is an accomplished author. He has penned several highly regarded books that delve into American history and society in the 20th century, offering valuable perspectives and chronicling significant periods. His most celebrated work is The Greatest Generation (1998), a seminal book that brought national attention to the experiences and sacrifices of the Americans who grew up during the Great Depression and fought in World War II. This book resonated deeply with readers and initiated a broader cultural appreciation for the generation that shaped modern America. He has continued to contribute to literature with other insightful works exploring various facets of the American experience.

Honors and Retirement: A Lasting Impact

Tom Brokaw's immense contributions to journalism and public discourse have been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Among his many accolades, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2014. This prestigious award is the highest civilian honor in the United States, bestowed upon individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

On January 22, 2021, NBC officially announced Tom Brokaw's retirement after an extraordinary 55 years with the network. This remarkable half-century tenure makes him one of the longest-standing news anchors at the same news network in the world. His unparalleled longevity at NBC places him in an elite group alongside international figures such as Ecuadorian news anchor Alfonso Espinosa de los Monteros, who has been with Ecuavisa since 1967. Brokaw's career exemplifies a steadfast commitment to journalistic integrity and a dedication to informing the American public through some of the nation's most pivotal historical moments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Brokaw

What was Tom Brokaw's primary role at NBC News?

Tom Brokaw is most widely recognized for his 22-year tenure as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004. He also served as co-anchor of The Today Show and briefly hosted Meet the Press, making him the only journalist to have hosted all three major NBC News programs.

Who were the "Big Three anchors" alongside Tom Brokaw?

Tom Brokaw was part of the "Big Three" U.S. news anchors, a term referring to the dominant figures in network news during the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. The other two were Dan Rather of CBS News and Peter Jennings of ABC News.

What is Tom Brokaw's most famous book?

His most renowned book is The Greatest Generation, published in 1998. This best-selling work chronicles the experiences and sacrifices of Americans who came of age during the Great Depression and fought in World War II.

When did Tom Brokaw retire from NBC News?

Tom Brokaw officially retired from NBC News on January 22, 2021, marking the conclusion of an exceptional 55-year career with the network.

What significant award did Tom Brokaw receive?

Among his numerous accolades, Tom Brokaw was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 by President Barack Obama, which is the highest civilian honor in the United States, recognizing his profound contributions to journalism.