David Brinkley
Co-anchor of a top-rated nightly news program for 14 years.
- field
- Broadcast journalism
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Co-anchor of The Huntley–Brinkley Report; host of This Week with David Brinkley
Lore & Background
Brinkley was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, the youngest of five children. After a medical discharge, he worked for United Press International in several Southern bureaus. Brinkley's dry wit offset Huntley's serious tone, and the program became America's most popular television newscast until the end of the 1960s. Their nightly sign-off — "Good night, Chet" / "Good night, David" — entered popular usage.
Reader's Guide
David Brinkley's significance lies in his long career as a television news anchor and commentator, particularly his role in shaping the nightly news format through the Huntley–Brinkley Report, which was America's top-rated newscast for much of its run. His dry wit and ability to write simple, declarative sentences for the ear earned him a reputation as one of television's most talented writers. His coverage of major events, such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, demonstrated his skill in conveying essential facts with clarity and restraint.
Did You Know?
- Brinkley began writing for a local newspaper, the Wilmington Morning Star, while still attending New Hanover High School.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did David Brinkley do after leaving NBC?
Following his departure from the Huntley–Brinkley Report, Brinkley moved to ABC, where he went on to host the Sunday morning interview show This Week with David Brinkley throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
What major awards did David Brinkley receive?
Over the course of his career he collected ten Emmy Awards, three George Foster Peabody Awards, and was ultimately honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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