Bill Moyers
Bill Moyers
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Bill D. Moyers is a renowned American journalist, author, and public servant.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 6, 1936, in Hugo, Oklahoma. Still active as of my knowledge cutoff.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
American; Journalist, Author, Public Servant
#### Early Life and Background
Bill Moyers grew up in a rural community in Texas, the son of Willard Moyers, a Methodist minister, and Maecine (née Dugan), a homemaker. He was raised with strong Christian values and developed an early interest in journalism through his high school newspaper. After graduating from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism in 1959, Moyers began his career as a journalist, working for several Texas newspapers before joining the staff of President John F. Kennedy.
#### Major Accomplishments
Moyers' illustrious career spans over five decades, marked by numerous significant accomplishments:
As press secretary to President Lyndon B. Johnson (1965-1967), he played a crucial role in shaping the administration's message and handling the media.
He served as White House Press Secretary from 1965 until 1967, working closely with President Johnson to craft his public image and address pressing national issues.
Moyers went on to become the publisher of the liberal magazine The New Republic (1977-1981) and hosted various documentary series, including Bill Moyers Journal (1971-2004), which examined social and political issues in-depth.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions that showcase Moyers' commitment to journalism and public service include:
The Powers That Be (1979) - a three-part PBS documentary series examining the role of power in American society.
A Walk Through the 20th Century with Bill Moyers (2001) - a six-hour PBS series reflecting on significant events, trends, and figures of the 20th century.
#### Impact and Legacy
Bill Moyers' influence extends far beyond his own career. He has inspired generations of journalists and public servants through his tireless commitment to truth-telling, critical thinking, and civic engagement. His numerous awards and honors reflect this impact:
Pulitzer Prize (1987) for Commentary (for work on The New Republic).
George Foster Peabody Award (1973, 1990) for outstanding achievement in broadcasting.
Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award (2002) for exceptional broadcast journalism.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Bill Moyers' dedication to informed citizenship and his role as a trusted voice on issues of public concern have cemented his place in the pantheon of American journalists. His quotes, writings, and broadcasts continue to be widely read and referenced due to their insight into the complexities of power, politics, and social justice.
Quotes by Bill Moyers
Every once in a while, a book so possesses me that I happily give up a couple of consecutive nights of sleep - as well as the evening news broadcasts and latenight talk shows - to finish it. That's what happened when I opened the novel 'Shadow Tag' by Louise Erdrich.
Someone asked why I invited Jon Stewart to be the first guest on the 'Journal''s premiere in 2007. 'Because Mark Twain isn't available,' I answered. I was serious.
At a time when the cost of health care is skyrocketing, the potential economic impact of mind/body medicine is considerable.
Today, the practice of medicine in an urban, technological society rarely provides either the time or the environment to encourage a doctor-patient relationship that promotes healing.
When my brother died in 1966, my father began a grieving process that lasted almost twenty-five years. For all that time, he suffered from chronic, debilitating headaches. I took him to some of the country's major medical facilities, but no one could cure him of his pain.
You only have to glance at the daily news to see how passions are stirred by claims of exclusive loyalty to one’s own kin, one’s own clan, one’s own country, and one’s own church. These ties that bind are vital to our communities and our lives, but they can also be twisted into a noose.
In uniform patriotism can salute one flag only, embrace but the first circle of life-one’s own land and tribe. In war that is necessary, in peace it is not enough.
