10 Nightly News Anchors Who Were Like Family
These legendary nightly news anchors weren’t just delivering headlines—they were trusted voices who felt like family, guiding America through triumphs and tragedies with grace, grit, and humanity.
- Alyana Aguja
- 3 min read
For decades, evening news anchors were more than broadcasters—they were good friends who assisted Americans in understanding a world that was spinning out of control. With unique voices, steadfast calm, and a sense of presence that was almost personal, these reporters were household fixtures across America. This special remembrance looks back on ten legend figures whose evening goodnights came as comforting as a friend’s goodnight.
1. Walter Cronkite
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Walter Cronkite was “the most trusted man in America.” He anchored the CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981. His measured, authoritative voice led the nation through the JFK assassination, the moon landing, and the Vietnam War. When he signed off with “And that’s the way it is,” it seemed like a parent putting the country to bed for the night.
2. Peter Jennings
Image from Britannica
The Canadian-born anchor of ABC World News Tonight became a familiar fixture from the 1980s until he died in 2005. Jennings infused the show with calm sophistication and international perspective, frequently reporting from the field. His warmth and composure made the most trying stories bearable.
3. Tom Brokaw
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Brokaw’s voice was identified with NBC throughout his tenure on NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004. He brought history as it occurred—from the fall of the Berlin Wall to 9/11—with gravity and compassion. His reporting on The Greatest Generation infused a personal dimension that enhanced his connection with the audience.
4. Dan Rather
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A fiery, Texas-born journalist, Rather anchored CBS Evening News for 24 years, starting in 1981. He reported live from war zones, hurricanes, and political battlefields, always with unyielding determination. He became a familiar and distinctive voice in American living rooms for his quirky Texan expressions.
5. Brian Williams
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As NBC Nightly News anchor from 2004 to 2015, Williams provided a steady, unflappable style with just enough personality to be human. He navigated tough stories with dignity, particularly during Hurricane Katrina and the Iraq War. His storytelling touch brought warmth to the nightly ritual.
6. Barbara Walters
Image from USA Today
Although not a nightly anchor per se, Walters broke down barriers as the first woman co-anchor of an evening news broadcast with ABC Evening News in 1976. Her pioneering presence paved the way for women in journalism and made her a household name. She added depth and dignity to each broadcast.
7. Lester Holt
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Holt became the first Black solo anchor of a weekday network nightly newscast when he became NBC Nightly News anchor in 2015. With his calm voice and unflappable composure, he exudes authority and likability on the screen. He’s the type of anchor who seems like a reliable neighbor.
8. Chet Huntley & David Brinkley
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This dynamic duo co-anchored The Huntley–Brinkley Report on NBC from 1956 to 1970, building one of the original national news brands. Their tag-team approach—Huntley in New York, Brinkley in Washington—became the model for co-anchored broadcasts. Their “Good night, Chet. Good night, David” closing became immediately legendary.
9. Judy Woodruff
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A PBS institution for decades, Woodruff anchored PBS NewsHour with authority and empathy. She presented a low-key, reflective option to the big networks that was ideal for reflective viewers. Her unwavering commitment to extended, nonpartisan coverage made her feel like your wise aunt at the dinner table.
10. Harry Reasoner
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As co-anchor of 60 Minutes and for CBS and ABC, Reasoner possessed a dry humor and subtle charm that made tough news sound like conversation. He co-anchored ABC Evening News with Barbara Walters and later returned to CBS. His easygoing tone and quick mind made an indelible mark on generations of viewers.