Charles Brokaw

Thomas John Brokaw, born in 1940, is an American author and retired network television journalist. He is widely recognized for his extensive career with NBC News, where he served as co-anchor of 'The Today Show' from 1976 to 1981 and as the anchor and managing editor of 'NBC Nightly News' for 22 years, from 1982 to 2004. Brokaw holds the distinction of being the only person to have hosted all three major NBC News programs. During the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, he was considered one of the "Big Three" American news anchors, alongside Peter Jennings and Dan Rather, all of whom led their respective network's flagship nightly news programs for over two decades. Beyond his anchoring duties, Brokaw has authored several books focusing on American history and society in the 20th century, with 'The Greatest Generation' being a notable example. After a career spanning 55 years, he retired from NBC News in 2021. His career has been marked by numerous accolades, including Peabody Awards, Emmy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the French Legion of Honor.

Born in Webster, South Dakota, Thomas John Brokaw's early life was shaped by his father's work in construction, which led the family to relocate frequently throughout South Dakota. He attended Yankton Senior High School, where he was involved in student government and met South Dakota Governor Joe Foss, a relationship that would later influence his writing. Brokaw initially attended the University of Iowa but transferred to the University of South Dakota, graduating with a degree in political science. He also pursued interests such as mountain climbing and maintained a property in Pound Ridge, New York. His family background included Huguenot and Irish American heritage, with a paternal great-grandfather noted for founding the town of Bristol, South Dakota.

Brokaw's journalism career began in local television before he joined NBC News in 1966. He reported from Los Angeles and later served as the White House correspondent covering the Watergate scandal. His rise within NBC included anchoring weekend editions of 'Nightly News' and co-hosting 'The Today Show' from 1976 to 1981. In 1982, he became the anchor of 'NBC Nightly News,' a role he held for over two decades. During his tenure, he covered significant global events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Challenger disaster, and the September 11th attacks. He conducted notable interviews, including the first one-on-one American television interviews with Mikhail Gorbachev and Vladimir Putin. Brokaw also made a memorable cameo on 'Late Show with David Letterman' and faced legal challenges related to reporting on Richard Jewell. His career concluded with a retirement announcement in 2021, marking 55 years with the network.

In addition to his prominent broadcasting career, Tom Brokaw has established himself as an author, primarily focusing on 20th-century American history and society. His most recognized work, 'The Greatest Generation' (1998), chronicles the experiences of Americans who came of age during the Great Depression and World War II. This book, along with others, reflects his interest in documenting the lives and contributions of ordinary Americans during pivotal historical periods. Brokaw also wrote 'The Fall of Richard Nixon: A Reporter Remembers Watergate,' drawing on his direct experience as a reporter during that era. He has occasionally contributed to documentaries, lending his voice and narrative skills to historical subjects. His literary endeavors often complement his journalistic work, providing deeper context and reflection on the events and people he covered throughout his career.

“This is war. This is a declaration and an execution of an attack on the United States.”

“Well the time is here. We've been through a lot together through dark days and nights and seasons of hope and joy. Whatever the story, I had only one objective, to get it right. When I failed, it was personally painful, and there was no greater urgency than course correction. On those occasions, I was grateful for your forbearance and always mindful that your patience and attention didn't come with a lifetime warranty.”

“I was not alone here, of course. I am simply the most conspicuous part of a large, thoroughly dedicated and professional staff that extends from just beyond these cameras, across the country, and around the world. In too many instances, in places of grave danger and personal”