John Dickerson: What CBS News' Bob Schieffer Replacement Should Tell Us

[caption id="attachment_112506" align="aligncenter" width="640"] You know? This guy?[/caption] We know what you're thinking: Who?! His name is John Dickerson, and over the weekend we learned that he will replace the great (Texan) Bob Schieffer at CBS News. Schieffer announced his retirement signaling to America that the end of pure journalism is nigh upon us. [caption id="attachment_112505" align="alignright" width="430"] PHOTO: Ron T. Ennis / Fort Worth Star-Telegram[/caption] Schieffer, 78, has been with CBS News for an amazing 46 years, and last week he told the world via his alma mater Texas Christian University and the journalism school that bears his name that he would be unplugging his mic. "Because that was where it all started for me, I wanted this to be the place, and I wanted you all to be the first to know that this summer I'm going to retire... "It's been a great adventure," Schieffer said. "You know, I'm one of the luckiest people in the world because as a little boy, as a young reporter, I always wanted to be a journalist, and I got to do that. And not many people get to do that, and I couldn't have asked for a better life or something that was more fun and more fulfilling." Back to Dickerson: he's definitely no slouch. In fact, he's political director of CBS News and Slate magazine's chief political correspondent. And while the appointment of Dickerson to Schieffer's seat may be questionable to the average viewer,journos and PR pros alike should take note. The halcyon days of Brokaw, Rather, Jennings, and even Schieffer himself are long gone. However, this hire is indicative of the larger strategic challenge affecting the world of journalism: it's time to get back to the basics. While the national networks are all about bloviating for ratings and using tech to do what storytelling no longer can, the big names understand that there's a problem that needs to be addressed. "John is first and foremost a reporter--and that's what he'll be as anchor of Face the Nation," CBS News President David Rhodes said in a statement. "His work in the studio will always be informed by what he's learned in Iowa, in New Hampshire, on Capitol Hill--anywhere there's news. He has earned the respect of newsmakers across the political spectrum. With all our correspondents John will present comprehensive coverage on all our platforms." You get that? "A reporter." Punditry has created a serious lack of trust in today's news organizations, many of which focus on one-upsmanship, grandstanding, and a vainglorious attempt to get some video to go viral ahead of, you know, NEWS. For that reason, PR peeps have fewer people to pitch, young reporters have fewer role models, and viewers have fewer trusted sources of information. Take it from the man chosen to fill those venerated wing tips. Dickerson told Schieffer: “When I came back to Washington 20 years ago to cover the Capitol Hill beat, every time I’d go to the Hill you’d be there too, every day reporting, so it’s not just your example as an anchor but as a daily reporter that I have to follow... congratulations on the great tour, but thank you for showing us how it’s done.” While Mount Rushmore adds another bust to its collection of journalism luminaries, let's all congratulate the new generation. At least, we should.

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John Dickerson: What CBS News' Bob Schieffer Replacement Should Tell Us

The times, they are a'changing...hopefully

Shawn Paul Wood

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Shawn Paul Wood