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Bill Moyers, former White House aide and PBS journalist, dies at 91

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Journalist Bill Moyers, once a quiet advisor at the White House, who later established himself as a champion of high-quality television journalism, passed away on Thursday in New York City. He was 91 years old.

According to AP, William, the son of Moyers, shared that his father passed away at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital following a prolonged sickness.

Back in 1971, I embarked on my television journey during the fledgling days of PBS, following a distinguished tenure as an advisor and press secretary to President Johnson. Later, I found myself at CBS News for a span of two decades, divided between the ’70s and ’80s. During this time, I served as editor and chief correspondent for their esteemed documentary series, “CBS Reports,” and provided insights as an analyst for their flagship news program, the “CBS Evening News.

In addition, he served as a commentator for “NBC Nightly News” and hosted the MSNBC show “Insight” back in 1996.

However, Moyers frequently felt constrained by the limitations imposed by corporate-owned media, and he consistently opted for the freedom offered by non-commercial PBS instead.

At Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), “Bill Moyers Journal” was the pioneering news program that debuted in 1972, coinciding with the escalation of the Watergate scandal. Throughout his tenure, Bill Moyers produced documentaries and series such as “Now With Bill Moyers” and “Moyers & Company,” which delved into intricate topics and fostered thoughtful discourse. Moyers garnered numerous prestigious awards in television journalism, including over 30 Emmy Awards. His final show on PBS aired in 2013.

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Back in 1988, I found myself catapulted into stardom posthumously, all thanks to Bill Moyers. He crafted a groundbreaking PBS series titled “Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth,” which delved into the intriguing realms of religious and mythological archetypes. This captivating exploration resonated with an astonishing 30 million viewers, making me, Joseph Campbell, a household name.

In 2006, his “Faith and Reason” series, featuring conversations with authors regarding the impact of religion on their personal lives, stood out as a unique offering among public broadcasting’s programs, despite an increase in diverse viewing choices available through cable networks.

As a passionate film buff, I’ve always been drawn to uncovering the truth behind closed doors, and that’s exactly what I did with hard-hitting investigative shows like “The Secret Government.” This series took us on an intriguing journey into the heart of the Iran-Contra scandal during the Reagan administration. Being a firm believer in transparency, my work often centered around exposing the impact of money on our nation’s politics.

As an advocate for progressive ideologies, Moyers frequently irritated Republican governments who would point to his initiatives as evidence of PBS’s supposed bias. In their efforts to reduce federal funding for PBS, they often referenced his programs.

Or:

An advocate for liberal issues, Moyers often provoked Republican administrations, who used his programs as examples to accuse PBS of bias and proposed decreasing its federal funding.

Paula Kerger, president of PBS, who had collaborated with Moyers for many years, stated that he consistently represented the ideals and goals of public broadcasting.

Bill consistently served in various capacities: as a journalist, a guide, and an ardent advocate for PBS,” Kerger stated. “He battled for quality and integrity in our public discussions, and never shied away from tackling the significant matters of the time with interest and empathy.

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In 1973, the Watergate hearings were extensively broadcasted, captivating large audiences and encouraging viewer donations. This coverage was instrumental in establishing the “PBS NewsHour.

Born on the 5th of June, 1934, in Hugo, Oklahoma, Moyers was raised by parents who were farmers and daily workers. Later, he completed his high school education in Marshall, Texas, where he wrote about sports for the local news outlet.

Following his graduation from the University of Texas, he pursued a Master’s Degree in Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and was subsequently ordained as a minister. He then dedicated his services to smaller, rural places of worship.

As a young college student, I found myself drawn into a professional alliance with the charismatic Johnson, who was seeking reelection to the U.S. Senate in 1954. Intriguingly, this influential figure was none other than my employer, as he owned KTBC radio and television – Austin, Texas’s esteemed broadcasting outlets run by his equally remarkable wife, Lady Bird.

I stood by Johnson’s side during his election as Vice President alongside John F. Kennedy, acting as his personal assistant in the process. Later on, I served as a deputy director for the Peace Corps under his leadership.

Following the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963, Moyers moved up in rank, becoming one of Johnson’s key advisors who handled various tasks such as serving as the press secretary.

As per a 1965 article in Time Magazine, Moyers played a crucial role in creating President Johnson’s far-reaching domestic policies called the Great Society. He helped draft laws and refined and perfected the speeches written by Johnson’s team of writers.

During Johnson’s gall bladder surgery, it fell upon Moyers to determine if Vice President Hubert Humphrey should assume presidential powers in case of an emergency.

In 1964, I was instrumental in shaping political discourse by endorsing the conception of the iconic “Daisy” advertisement, which became a powerful tool during Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidential campaign.

An advertisement featuring a girl plucking petals from a daisy and counting them transitions into a timer for the launch of a nuclear missile. Moyers, in his criticism, found this commercial to be problematic – a critique directed at Johnson’s Republican opponent, Barry Goldwater, regarding his stance on nuclear weapon use. He felt that such emotionally charged visuals would negatively impact America’s political landscape over time.

1967 saw Moyers departing from the Johnson White House due to growing disillusionment over the intensifying Vietnam War. Subsequently, he embarked on a career as the publisher of Newsday, a daily newspaper in Long Island, New York. Under his leadership, Newsday significantly enhanced its reputation within the journalism sector. Prior to this, Moyers had his initial stint at PBS.

In 1986, upon rejoining PBS, he established a production company under the name Public Affairs Television.

Through his sermon-like tone and focus on ethical principles in his commentaries, some viewers perceived Moyers as a stern moralizer. However, amidst the boisterous discourse of cable news, Moyers’ soft-spoken style became a refreshing respite for many.

In his tribute for The Times in 2009, Neil Gabler stated that Moyers’ goal has consistently been about improving things, not amplifying them. In a realm often characterized by ego and brashness, he has always stood out as humble and unassuming.

Moyers is left behind by his spouse Judith, as well as his children Suzanne, John D., and William Cope, along with six grandkids and one great-grandchild.

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2025-06-27 04:31

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