Netflix series Rather profiles gutsy journalist

Dan Rather, an Icon of Journalism, Examined in the New Netflix Documentary "Rather"

"Journalism is a higher calling, not a career. When you're looking at who were successful journalists over the last 50 years, Dan Rather would be at the very top of the list." – Historian David Brinkley

The new Netflix documentary, "Rather" , provides an insightful, intense, and unerring account of the renowned journalist's illustrious career and controversial moments.

Dan Rather, born in 1931 in Texas, overcame rheumatic fever in his youth, a challenge that instilled values of "steady" and "courage" from his parents. Rather's career began in Houston radio in the 1950s, and he gained prominence during Hurricane Carla in 1961 with innovative use of satellite imagery. As a CBS bureau chief in Dallas, he led reporting on JFK's assassination and covered the civil rights movement. Rather's aggressive field reporting from Vietnam brought him both praise and vituperative calls from President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Known for his tenacity, Rather went undercover in Afghanistan in 1980 and succeeded Walter Cronkite as anchor in 1982. However, he faced criticisms for appearing stiff and biased. A turning point came in 1988 when he aggressively questioned VP George H.W. Bush, leading to accusations of liberal bias. Rather also faced mockery and physical attacks, including the famous "Kenneth, what's the frequency?" incident.

In 2004, Rather made a controversial report on President George W. Bush's National Guard service, which some claimed was based on forgeries. He apologized but ultimately stepped down as anchor in 2005 and retired from CBS in 2006, refusing to blame his staffers.

Since then, Rather has stayed active with an investigative series, an online newscast, and a Substack newsletter, "Steady." He has also become a surprise superstar on social media, sharing humorous bursts of moral insight. The documentary highlights his deep affection for Texas and includes perspectives from his daughter, Robin, who confirms his courage as a journalist and unconditional love as a father.

Talk show host Andy Cohen reflects, "There's just something sweet about this cowboy who is still at the rodeo... He's still exactly who he is. There's something poetic about that."

A Journalist's Legacy

"Rather" is an insightful documentary that portrays Dan Rather's groundbreaking career, controversies, and enduring impact on journalism, offering a thoughtful reflection on a life dedicated to the higher calling of seeking truth and holding power to account.