Howard K. Smith

Date of Birth: May 12, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: February 15, 2002

Biography

Howard K. Smith was an influential American journalist, radio reporter, television anchorman, and author, widely regarded for his insightful reporting and incisive analysis of significant events in the 20th century. Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, Smith began his journalism career in the 1940s after graduating from Tulane University and studying at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He joined CBS News and gained recognition for his bold and comprehensive reporting during World War II. Smith later transitioned to ABC News, where he became a prominent figure, co-anchoring the network’s flagship news program. His career spanned several decades, during which he covered major historical events such as the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and Watergate. Smith was known for his deep, authoritative voice and his unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity.

5 Interesting Facts about Howard K. Smith

1. Howard K. Smith was one of the original members of Edward R. Murrow’s team of war correspondents, known as the “Murrow Boys.”

2. He was expelled from Nazi Germany in 1941 for refusing to broadcast propaganda.

3. Smith moderated the first-ever televised presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960.

4. He authored several books, including “Last Train from Berlin” and “Events Leading Up to My Death: The Life of a Twentieth-Century Reporter.”

5. Howard K. Smith received numerous awards throughout his career, including several Emmy Awards and the prestigious Peabody Award.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Howard K. Smith

1. “The greatest power of the mass media is the power to ignore. The worst thing about this power is that you may not even know you’re using it.”

2. “I may be a reporter, but I still have an opinion just like everybody else.”

3. “The truth is not always easy to hear, but it is the foundation of a democratic society.”

4. “Journalism is what maintains democracy. It’s the force for progressive social change.”

5. “Good journalism, I think, represents life and if you try to organize something too neatly it usually misses something.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Howard K. Smith’s highest net worth was estimated to be approximately $5 million.

Children

Howard K. Smith had two children: a son named Jack Smith, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a journalist, and a daughter named Catherine Smith.