John Chancellor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Chancellor
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Chancellor at the White House in 1970
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John William Chancellor
July 14, 1927 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Died | July 12, 1996 (aged 68) Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Alma mater | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| Occupation | Journalist |
| Years active | 1952–1993 |
| Known for | Today (1961–1962) NBC Nightly News Anchor (1970–1982) Editor/Commentator (1982–1993) |
| Spouse(s) | Connie Chancellor Barbara Upshaw (second wife) |
| Children | 3 |
John William Chancellor (born July 14, 1927 – died July 12, 1996) was a famous American journalist. He spent most of his career working for NBC News. Many people see him as a leader in television news. John Chancellor was the main anchor for the NBC Nightly News from 1970 to 1982. After that, he continued to share his thoughts and opinions on the news until 1993.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
John Chancellor was born in Chicago, Illinois. He started working early, even as a copy boy for a newspaper at age 14. After serving in the Army during World War II, he went to the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. He began his journalism career in local TV in Chicago. Soon, he moved to national television news. He became a correspondent for NBC's evening newscast, the Huntley-Brinkley Report.
Reporting on Important Events
John Chancellor covered many important national stories. One key event was the integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1957. He reported on a young Black girl, Elizabeth Eckford, trying to attend the integrated school. His reports showed the world the angry crowd of people who opposed integration. Even when these crowds followed him, Chancellor kept reporting the news bravely.
Chancellor also spent several years as a foreign correspondent. He lived and reported from cities like Vienna, London, Moscow, and Brussels.
Hosting the Today Show
In 1961, John Chancellor became the host of NBC's Today show. He hosted the show for about 14 months. However, he preferred serious news over the lighter topics on Today. So, he asked to leave the show in 1962. He then became a political correspondent for NBC News. He joined a team of reporters known as the "Four Horsemen." They were famous for their excellent coverage of political conventions.
At the 1964 Republican National Convention, Chancellor was even arrested! He refused to give up his spot on the floor to supporters of the presidential candidate. When security took him away, he famously signed off his report: "I've been promised bail, ladies and gentlemen, by my office. This is John Chancellor, somewhere in custody." Later, from 1965 to 1967, he led the Voice of America, a U.S. government news service.
Leading the NBC Nightly News
John Chancellor returned to NBC in 1968. In 1970, he became the main anchor for the NBC Nightly News. This job became the most important part of his career. He helped shape the show's format and style.
Changes in Anchors
When the NBC Nightly News first started, Chancellor was one of three anchors. They would take turns hosting the show. But NBC wanted more stability. So, in 1971, Chancellor became the sole weeknight anchor. He worked from NBC headquarters in New York.
For a few years, NBC Nightly News faced tough competition. The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite was very popular. To compete, NBC brought back David Brinkley as a co-anchor in 1976. They worked together until 1979.
The "Red" and "Blue" States Idea
John Chancellor is famous for creating the idea of using colors to show election results. For the 1976 United States presidential election, he suggested using a large electronic map. If the Democratic candidate, Jimmy Carter, won a state, it would light up in red. If the Republican candidate, Gerald Ford, won, it would light up in blue.
Chancellor chose these colors based on British political parties. By the year 2000, all major news networks used this color system. However, they switched the colors: red for Republicans and blue for Democrats.
Television Career Highlights
- 1956–70 The Huntley-Brinkley Report (correspondent)
- 1961–62 The Today Show (anchor)
- 1970–82 NBC Nightly News (anchor)
- 1982–93 NBC Nightly News (editorial/commentary)
Later Years and Retirement
John Chancellor anchored the Nightly News until 1982. He was then followed by Tom Brokaw and Roger Mudd. Chancellor stayed on the program, giving his insightful commentaries. He retired from NBC on July 9, 1993.
In 1992, John Chancellor was honored. He was added to the Television Hall of Fame. He also narrated Baseball, a famous documentary by Ken Burns. He wrote a book called Peril and Promise: A Commentary on America in 1990.
The John Chancellor Award for Excellence in Journalism was created in 1995. This award celebrates great work in journalism.
Death
After he retired, John Chancellor moved to Princeton, New Jersey. He passed away from stomach cancer on July 12, 1996. He died just two days before his 69th birthday.
Awards and Honors
- 1977: Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement
- 1983: Paul White Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association
- 1988: Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois, Order of Lincoln
- 1993: Television Hall of Fame
- 1995: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Series (for Baseball)
The author Anne Rivers Siddons named her 1975 book of essays John Chancellor Makes Me Cry.
