What Happened to Dan Rather? Why was Dan Rather Fired From CBS?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Jun 11, 2023
Who is Dan Rather?
Dan Rather is an American journalist and former national news anchor. He gained national recognition for his reporting during Hurricane Carla in 1961, where he used innovative methods to provide critical weather updates. Throughout his career, Rather covered significant events like the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, 9/11, the Iraq War, and the war on terror.
He also reported on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and covered the Watergate scandal during Richard Nixon's presidency. In 1981, Rather became the news anchor for the CBS Evening News, a position he held for 24 years. He was one of the prominent "Big Three" anchors alongside Peter Jennings and Tom Brokaw. Rather's contributions extended to CBS's news magazine, 60 Minutes.
From 2006 to 2013, Dan Rather hosted "Dan Rather Reports," an investigative news program in the style of "60 Minutes," on the cable channel AXS TV (formerly HDNet). He continued his work with AXS TV, hosting other projects such as "Dan Rather Presents," which delved into topics like mental health care and adoption.
Additionally, he conducted in-depth 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 found his reputation as a news anchor tarnished after a CBS News report he presented. The accuracy of the story was publicly challenged, and the ensuing controversy ultimately led to Rather's departure from CBS News.
While parting ways with CBS News, Dan Rather harbored no ill feelings toward the network, expressing his continued affection: "I loved CBS and still do." He embarked on a successful career beyond CBS, hosting a web series called "The Big Interview" and continuing to contribute to journalism. Reflecting on his career and the controversy that surrounded it, Rather expressed pride in his accomplishments. Despite acknowledging mistakes and wounds, he maintained a belief that one's record defines them. He concluded, "For those who say, 'Well, but it didn't end very well,' I say, 'Well, life sometimes goes that way.'"
Why was Dan Rather Fired from CBS?
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.
He stepped down from his position as anchor of "CBS Evening News" in March 2005 but remained with CBS as a correspondent until he left the network in June 2006. Following his departure from "CBS Evening News" and "60 Minutes," Rather launched his own news program called "Dan Rather Reports" on the cable channel HDNet (now AXS TV). The show premiered in 2006 and focused on investigative journalism and in-depth reporting on a wide range of topics.
"Dan Rather Reports" ran until 2013, earning critical acclaim for its in-depth storytelling and hard-hitting journalism. The show allowed Rather to maintain his presence in the media landscape and showcase his journalistic skills beyond the confines of network news. In addition to his television work, Rather also embraced the digital age and expanded his reach through online platforms. He became active on social media and launched 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 published several books, including memoirs and works on American history and politics. Despite the controversy surrounding his departure from CBS, Dan Rather has continued to contribute to the field of journalism and remains a respected voice in the industry.
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. When Rather was a child, his family relocated 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 earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville, Texas. During his time there, he served as the editor of the school newspaper, The Houstonian, and was involved in the founding organization of the Epsilon Psi chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity called the Caballeros. He also gained experience in broadcasting by working for KSAM-FM radio in Huntsville, where he covered various football games.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Rather briefly attended 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 share a 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 moment they met, Jean was captivated by Dan's beauty, intelligence, and kindness. It didn't take long for their hearts to connect, and they quickly fell deeply in love.
The year following their enchanting introduction, Dan and Jean officially began dating, cherishing every moment they spent together. Their love grew stronger with each passing day, filled with laughter, support, and shared dreams. Recognizing that they had found their perfect match, 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.
Through the highs and lows of life, Dan and Jean stood by each other's side, building a bond that only strengthened over time. Their enduring love and commitment have carried them through 63 remarkable years of marriage, creating a legacy of love and togetherness that will forever warm the hearts of those around them.
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, particularly during the civil rights movement when he played a significant role in reporting on those events. Throughout those challenging times, Jean remained a pillar of strength, taking care of the house and 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 led him to rise in his profession. Starting as a pressman for various news agencies and radio stations, he eventually ascended to the prestigious position of CBS news presenter 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, enabling 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
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.
Dan Rather is known for being a prominent American journalist and former national news anchor. He gained recognition for his coverage of significant events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, 9/11, the Iraq War, and the war on terror.
Dan Rather worked primarily for CBS News throughout his career. He started as a news director at KTRH radio in Houston and then joined CBS News in 1962. He served as a White House correspondent, foreign correspondent, and eventually became the news anchor for the CBS Evening News in 1981.
Dan Rather was involved in a controversy surrounding a report he presented on "60 Minutes" in 2004. The report questioned President George W. Bush's military service, and the authenticity of the documents used in the report was disputed. This controversy ultimately led to changes in Rather's role within CBS News.
Since leaving CBS, Dan Rather has remained active in journalism. He hosted programs on AXS TV, including "Dan Rather Reports" and "The Big Interview with Dan Rather." He also started hosting an online newscast called "The News with Dan Rather" and began writing the newsletter "Steady" on the Substack platform.