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Dan Rather

Dan Rather is an American journalist, commentator, and author best known for his long career with CBS News.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dan Rather is an American journalist, commentator, and author best known for his long career with CBS News. He served as anchor of the CBS Evening News from 1981 to 2005 and reported on major events including the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, Watergate, and the September 11 attacks.

Early life and education

Rather was born in Wharton, Texas, and later studied at Sam Houston State Teachers College. He began his journalism career in Texas before moving into national news.

CBS News career

He joined CBS in 1960 and became a major network correspondent and anchor. His reporting covered many of the defining political and international events of the late 20th century.

Anchor of CBS Evening News

Rather replaced Walter Cronkite as anchor in 1981 and remained in the role until 2005. His tenure made him one of the best-known faces in American broadcast journalism.

Later work and writing

After CBS, Rather continued in television with programs such as Dan Rather Reports and remained active as a commentator and author. He also founded News and Guts.

Key facts

  • Began his journalism career in Texas and gained national attention for reporting during Hurricane Carla in 1961.
  • Worked for CBS for about four decades and became one of the most recognizable U.S. television news anchors.
  • Anchored the CBS Evening News from 1981 until 2005.
  • Reported on major historical events including the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, Watergate, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War.
  • Authored or co-authored multiple books on journalism and public affairs.
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Canadian context

Rather is best known to Canadian readers as one of the most prominent figures in American broadcast journalism, whose coverage of U.S. and world events also shaped Canadian news audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Dan Rather?
Dan Rather is an American journalist, commentator, and author known for his long career at CBS News and his 24-year run as anchor of CBS Evening News.
When was Dan Rather born?
He was born on October 31, 1931.
What is Dan Rather best known for?
He is best known for anchoring CBS Evening News from 1981 to 2005 and for reporting on major historical events over several decades.
What did Dan Rather study?
He studied at Sam Houston State Teachers College, now Sam Houston State University.
What major events did Dan Rather cover?
His reporting included the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, Watergate, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, the 9/11 attacks, and the Iraq War.
Did Dan Rather continue working after CBS?
Yes. He continued in television and commentary, including work on Dan Rather Reports and related media projects.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Rather
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, career overview, CBS Evening News anchorship, major events covered.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dan-Rather
    Supports: Birth date and place, American newscaster and author, major events covered during CBS career.
  3. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/us/dan-rather-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, education, family details, awards, and professional background.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0711710/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, birth place, and CBS Evening News anchorship dates.
  5. Texas Monthly — https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/dan-rather/
    Supports: Texas background and Sam Houston State University graduation.