Purple lights twinkled down upon renowned veteran journalist Bob Schieffer Friday as he told a group of more than 100 Manship School of Mass Communication graduates that the element of fun makes journalism the best career.
Schieffer, who has been a reporter for 55 years and has spent 43 years working for CBS News where he currently moderates “Face the Nation,” was this semester’s Manship School commencement speaker. He addressed the country’s political climate and the ever-evolving state of journalism.
“Journalists can literally and truly make a difference and when journalism is done right, it is a noble cause,” he said.
Schieffer then added that the vast amount of stories and nature of the job make it more fun than any other. He addressed the worry that journalism is a dying industry.
“There will always be a need for journalists,” Schieffer said. “A democracy cannot function without accurately and independently gained information.”
He also told the graduates that the most important news stories they will face are nation’s division over Congress’ gridlock and the ugly nature of political campaigns.
“We’re all ashamed at the end of campaign season rather than being happy or sad for what has happened,” Schieffer said.
Schieffer peppered his speech with anecdotes about climbing the ladder of the job market and his best scoops. He referenced his friendship with former CBS Evening News anchor Walter Cronkite and he touched on the campaign tactics of former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who used to throw his hat into crowds.
Schieffer also offered his advice to the graduates.
“If you do it well and you get a little lucky, the success will take care of itself,” he said. “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
Manship Dean Jerry Ceppos lauded Schieffer’s interest in journalism education, as Texas Christian University’s journalism school is named the Schieffer School of Journalism. TCU is Schieffer’s alma mater.
“Bob Schieffer has learned that humility and respect go a long way in journalism,” Ceppos said. “He is the first big name from Washington who ever wanted to engage in a conversation with me about journalism education.”
As for the graduates who are unsure about their futures, Schieffer expressed words of solace, saying television reporters did not exist when he was growing up and nobody wanted to be an astronaut then because there was no space program.
“Graduation day is a day like no other,” he said. “It’s also a little scary, but that’s OK.”
 
—- Contact Andrea Gallo at [email protected]