Tom Brokaw

Tom Brokaw 2015

Tom Brokaw

Tom Brokaw (born February 6, 1940) is an American television journalist and author, best known for his long tenure as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004. He is the only person to have hosted all three major NBC News programs: The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, and Meet the Press.

Early Life and Education

Tom Brokaw was born in Webster, South Dakota, to Eugenia "Jean" (née Conley) and Anthony Orville "Red" Brokaw. He attended Yankton High School in Yankton, South Dakota, where he was active in student government and sports. Brokaw later attended the University of Iowa before transferring to the University of South Dakota, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.

Career

Early Career

Brokaw began his journalism career in 1960 at KTIV in Sioux City, Iowa. He then worked at KMTV in Omaha, Nebraska, and later at WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1966, he joined NBC News and became the network's correspondent for Los Angeles, California.

NBC News

In 1973, Brokaw became the White House correspondent for NBC News during the Watergate scandal. He co-anchored the Today Show from 1976 to 1981 before becoming the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News in 1982. During his tenure, Brokaw covered major events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the September 11 attacks, and the Iraq War.

Post-Nightly News Career

After stepping down from the NBC Nightly News in 2004, Brokaw continued to work with NBC News as a special correspondent. He has also written several books, including "The Greatest Generation," which profiles the generation that grew up during the Great Depression and fought in World War II.

Personal Life

Tom Brokaw married Meredith Lynn Auld in 1962. They have three daughters: Jennifer, Andrea, and Sarah. Brokaw has been active in various charitable organizations and has received numerous awards for his contributions to journalism.

Awards and Honors

Brokaw has received several prestigious awards, including the Peabody Award, the Emmy Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2006.

Bibliography

• "The Greatest Generation" (1998)
• "A Long Way from Home: Growing Up in the American Heartland" (2002)
• "Boom!: Voices of the Sixties" (2007)
• "The Time of Our Lives: A Conversation About America" (2011)

See Also

• NBC News
• The Today Show
• Meet the Press
• NBC Nightly News