What Happened to Dan Rather? Journalist Dan Rather made the decision to step away from the anchor desk in 2005, check the reason behind his departure here.
Who is Dan Rather?
Dan Rather is an American journalist and former national news anchor.
He gained national recognition for his coverage during Hurricane Carla in 1961, employing innovative methods to provide crucial weather updates.
Throughout his career, Rather reported on significant events including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, 9/11, the Iraq War, and the war on terror.
He also covered the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the Watergate scandal during Richard Nixon’s presidency.
In 1981, Rather became the news anchor for the CBS Evening News, holding the position for 24 years.
He was one of the prominent “Big Three” anchors alongside Peter Jennings and Tom Brokaw.
Rather also made contributions to CBS’s news magazine, 60 Minutes.
From 2006 to 2013, Rather hosted “Dan Rather Reports,” an investigative news program similar to “60 Minutes,” on the cable channel AXS TV (formerly HDNet).
He continued his association with AXS TV, hosting other projects such as “Dan Rather Presents,” which explored subjects like mental health care and adoption.
Furthermore, he conducted extensive interviews with musicians and entertainers on “The Big Interview with Dan Rather.”
In January 2018, Rather began hosting “The News with Dan Rather,” an online newscast on The Young Turks’ YouTube channel.
Since 2021, he has been writing the newsletter “Steady” on the Substack platform.
What Happened to Dan Rather?
In 2004, Dan Rather’s reputation as a news anchor suffered a blow due to a CBS News report he presented.
The accuracy of the story was publicly questioned, leading to a controversy that ultimately resulted in Rather’s departure from CBS News.
Despite parting ways with CBS News, Rather held no animosity towards the network and expressed his enduring affection, stating, “I loved CBS and still do.”
He went on to pursue a successful career outside of CBS, hosting a web series titled “The Big Interview” while continuing to contribute to journalism.
Reflecting on his career and the controversy that surrounded it, Rather expressed pride in his achievements.
He acknowledged making mistakes and enduring wounds but maintained his belief that one’s character is defined by their overall record.
He concluded by saying, “For those who claim, ‘Well, it didn’t end well,’ I say, ‘Well, sometimes life unfolds in that manner.'”
Why was Dan Rather Fired from CBS?
Dan Rather did not face official termination from CBS; however, he did depart from CBS News following the controversy surrounding a report he presented on “60 Minutes” in 2004.
In March 2005, Rather stepped down from his role as anchor of “CBS Evening News,” but he remained a correspondent for CBS until his departure from the network in June 2006.
After leaving “CBS Evening News” and “60 Minutes,” Rather launched his own news program called “Dan Rather Reports” on the cable channel HDNet, now known as AXS TV.
The show premiered in 2006 and focused on investigative journalism and in-depth reporting across a wide range of topics.
“Dan Rather Reports” received critical acclaim for its thorough storytelling and hard-hitting journalism, running until 2013.
The show allowed Rather to maintain a presence in the media landscape and showcase his journalistic skills beyond traditional network news.
Additionally, Rather embraced the digital age, expanding his reach through online platforms.
He actively engaged with social media and established his own news website called “News and Guts” in 2017.
Through this platform, Rather continues to provide analysis, commentary, and original reporting on significant events and issues.
Throughout his post-CBS career, Rather has remained an influential figure in journalism, offering his perspective on current affairs and providing insight into the evolving media landscape.
He has authored several books, including memoirs and works on American history and politics.
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure from CBS, Dan Rather continues to make significant contributions to the field of journalism and retains a respected voice in the industry.
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Dan Rather Family and Early Life
Dan Rather was born on October 31, 1931, in Wharton County, Texas.
His parents were Daniel Irvin Rather Sr., who worked as a ditch digger and pipe layer, and Byrl Veda Page.
During his childhood, his family moved to Houston, where he attended Lovett Elementary School and Hamilton Middle School.
He completed his high school education at John H. Reagan High School in Houston in 1950.
In 1953, Rather obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville, Texas.
While studying there, he served as the editor of the school newspaper, The Houstonian, and played a role in establishing the Epsilon Psi chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity known as the Caballeros.
He also gained broadcasting experience by working for KSAM-FM radio in Huntsville, covering various football games.
After finishing his undergraduate studies, Rather briefly pursued studies at South Texas College of Law in Houston.
However, in January 1954, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was sent to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
Due to a previously undisclosed childhood bout of rheumatic fever, Rather was discharged from the Marines shortly after enlisting.
Dan Rather Wife
Dan Rather and Jean Goebel have shared a remarkable love story that spans over six decades.
Their journey began when Jean, working as a secretary at a private firm, was introduced to Dan by her sister, who worked at a CBS radio affiliate in Houston.
From the very beginning, Jean was captivated by Dan’s beauty, intelligence, and kindness.
Their hearts connected instantly, and they fell deeply in love.
The year following their enchanting introduction, Dan and Jean officially started dating, treasuring every moment they spent together.
Their love blossomed and grew stronger with each passing day, filled with laughter, support, and shared dreams.
Recognizing that they had found their soulmates in each other, Dan and Jean took the next step in their love story and exchanged vows in 1957, embarking on a lifelong journey as husband and wife.
Throughout the joys and challenges of life, Dan and Jean have remained steadfast by each other’s side, building a bond that has only deepened over time.
Their enduring love and unwavering commitment have carried them through 63 incredible years of marriage, creating a legacy of love and togetherness that will forever warm the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness it.
Dan Rather Children
A year after their wedding, Jean and Dan’s family joyfully expanded with the arrival of their first child, a daughter named Robin Rather.
Their love continued to flourish as they welcomed another bundle of joy into their lives in 1960, a son named Danjack Rather.
Dan’s career as a broadcaster often required him to be away from home for extended periods of time, especially during significant events like the civil rights movement where he played a pivotal role in reporting.
Throughout those challenging times, Jean remained a pillar of strength, managing the household and taking care of their children.
She admirably balanced supporting her husband’s career while ensuring the stability and well-being of their family.
Dan’s dedication and talent propelled him to new heights in his profession.
Starting as a pressman for various news agencies and radio stations, he eventually rose to the prestigious position of CBS news anchor in 1970.
Alongside his anchor role, he also hosted CBS’ flagship show, CBS Evening News, for over two decades.
Jean’s unwavering support and partnership played an integral role in Dan’s success, allowing him to focus on his career while knowing his family was in caring and capable hands.
Together, they navigated the demands of a dynamic profession, embracing the joys of parenthood and building a loving home filled with cherished memories.
What Happened to Dan Rather – FAQs
What Happened to Dan Rather?
Dan Rather was not officially fired from CBS; however, he did leave CBS News following the controversy surrounding a report he presented on “60 Minutes” in 2004.
What is Dan Rather known for?
Dan Rather, a notable American journalist, and former national news anchor, rose to prominence due to his extensive coverage of significant events including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, the 9/11 attacks, the Iraq War, and the war on terror.
Where did Dan Rather work during his career?
Throughout his career, Dan Rather was primarily associated with CBS News.
He initially began his journey as a news director at KTRH radio in Houston before joining CBS News in 1962.
Within the organization, he held various roles, including serving as a White House correspondent, a foreign correspondent, and eventually ascending to the position of news anchor for the CBS Evening News in 1981.
What controversy was Dan Rather involved in during his career?
In 2004, Dan Rather found himself embroiled in a controversy centered around a report he presented on “60 Minutes.”
The report raised questions about President George W. Bush’s military service, with the authenticity of the documents used in the report becoming a subject of dispute.
The fallout from this controversy resulted in significant changes to Rather’s position within CBS News.
What has Dan Rather been doing since leaving CBS?
Following his departure from CBS, Dan Rather has continued to be actively involved in journalism.
He took on hosting roles in programs on AXS TV, such as “Dan Rather Reports” and “The Big Interview with Dan Rather.”
Additionally, he ventured into the realm of online media, hosting an online newscast titled “The News with Dan Rather.”
Furthermore, he commenced writing the newsletter “Steady” on the Substack platform, further showcasing his dedication to staying engaged in the field of journalism.
