Scholars, Journalists Enter “Cronkite” in Pulitzer Prize Competition 
A group of distinguished scholars and journalists entered “Cronkite,” a live multimedia performance about legendary journalist Walter Cronkite, in the competition for a 2015 Pulitzer Prize.

“Cronkite” was entered in the competition by Dr. George Diestel, professor emeritus at California State University, Fresno. Co-nominating “Cronkite” were several other drama and journalism professionals, including Walter “Chip” Cronkite III, filmmaker and son of Walter Cronkite, and Dr. Craig Smith, director of the Center for First Amendment Studies at California State University, Long Beach, who worked with Cronkite for several years. Here are some highlights from their remarks about the show:

“…you honored my father’s entire career with the memorial, but with your Pulitzer-nominated drama you focused on that one post-9/11 moment that distilled his faith in the strength of America’s democracy.” – Chip Cronkite

“I was lucky enough to work for and with Walter Cronkite on conventions, election nights, and inaugural coverages. Mr. Korinke gestures just as I remember Mr. Cronkite gesturing. The voice is not only uncannily like Mr. Cronkite’s, it catches his humility and empathy for others.” – Dr. Craig Smith

“‘Cronkite’ will be an ongoing dramatic experience of rare acting excellence, dazzling creativity, incredible technical fusion, and of ethical significance for all who attend one of its performances.” – Dr. George Diestel

“Cronkite” was adapted from an appearance by Walter Cronkite on CNN’s “Larry King Live” in September 2002. The 24-minute show evokes memories of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and other major events Cronkite covered, including World War II, the Vietnam War and the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The show incorporates audio, video and still photographs to bring those historic events to life. The part of Cronkite is played by Jim Korinke, a member of the Actors’ Equity Association.

Coming Soon!

  • A new exhibit in the Walter Cronkite Memorial, a replica of Walter Cronkite’s CBS broadcast studio, will open on Nov. 9. The studio is located on the second floor of Spratt Hall in a room overlooking the Memorial. Nov. 4 will also mark what would have been Cronkite’s 99th
  • A second live, multimedia production will premiere on Nov. 9, also. “Harry and Walter: Missouri’s Native Sons,” based on President Harry Truman and Walter Cronkite, spotlights two famous Missourians while exploring the historic times in which they lived.

Visit https://wcm.missouriwestern.edu/.