Robert Pierpoint facts for kids
Robert Pierpoint (born May 16, 1925 – died October 22, 2011) was an American journalist who reported the news on television and radio. He worked for the CBS news network for many years.
Robert Pierpoint was born in Redondo Beach, California. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, a major global conflict. After the war, he went to the University of Redlands, graduating in 1948.
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Reporting the News
Robert Pierpoint was a very important reporter. He covered many big events in history.
Early Career and Big Stories
Pierpoint reported on the Korean War, a conflict that took place in the early 1950s. He was also part of the very first episode of a famous TV show called See It Now in 1951. This show was a big step for television news.
He also worked at the State Department for CBS. The State Department is the part of the U.S. government that handles relationships with other countries. Pierpoint often appeared on Charles Kuralt's Sunday Morning show until he retired.
Learning from a Legend
Robert Pierpoint learned a lot about reporting from Edward R. Murrow. Murrow was a very famous and respected journalist. Pierpoint was even known as one of "Murrow's boys," which meant he was part of a group of talented reporters Murrow mentored.
Pierpoint also had a fun moment in pop culture. He played himself on the radio in the very last episode of the popular TV show M*A*S*H.
Reporting from the White House
Robert Pierpoint spent many years as a White House correspondent. This meant he reported on the U.S. President and their activities directly from the White House.
Covering Six Presidents
He covered six different presidents, from Eisenhower to Carter. That's a lot of history! He even wrote a book about his experiences called At the White House in 1981.
Pierpoint was known for having strong discussions with President Richard Nixon. He would ask tough questions and challenge the president's answers.
A Funny Story
Once, Robert Pierpoint was playing tennis when he was called to report live on TV. He quickly put on a suit coat and tie, but he kept his tennis shorts on! The TV camera only showed him from the chest up, so viewers didn't know.
However, a photograph was taken that showed his legs and the tennis shorts. It became a famous story. To remember this funny incident, Pierpoint's wife said he would be buried wearing a suit coat and tennis shorts.
Robert Pierpoint passed away in Santa Barbara, California in 2011.
