Morley Safer
Morley Safer
Full Name and Common Aliases
Morley Robert Safer was a renowned Canadian-American journalist, best known for his work as a correspondent for CBS News.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 8, 1931, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Morley Safer passed away on May 19, 2016, at the age of 84.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Safer was a Canadian-American journalist who spent most of his career working as a television correspondent for CBS News. He held dual citizenship of both Canada and the United States.
Early Life and Background
Morley Safer grew up in a Jewish family in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His father, Robert Safer, was a Russian immigrant who became a successful businessman. Morley's mother, Rose (née Klein), was also an immigrant from Poland. The young Safer developed a keen interest in journalism at a young age and began writing for his high school newspaper.
Major Accomplishments
Safer's career as a journalist spanned over five decades, with significant milestones including:
Joining CBS News in 1961 as a correspondent
Becoming one of the first network correspondents to cover the Vietnam War
Winning numerous awards for his reporting, including multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award
Serving as the chief foreign affairs correspondent for CBS News
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions by Morley Safer include:
Reporting from the front lines of the Vietnam War, where he witnessed the destruction of civilian targets and questioned the military's tactics
Covering major international events such as the Suez Crisis, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the fall of Saigon
* Confronting U.S. officials with tough questions, including a famous confrontation with Secretary of State Henry Kissinger
Impact and Legacy
Morley Safer's impact on journalism cannot be overstated. He was known for his fearless reporting style, which often put him at odds with those in power. His coverage of the Vietnam War helped to shift public opinion against the conflict and led to increased scrutiny of government policies.
Safer's legacy extends beyond his own reporting career. He inspired a new generation of journalists to pursue careers in investigative and foreign affairs reporting. Many have credited Safer as a role model for their own work, including notable journalists such as Christiane Amanpour and Anderson Cooper.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Morley Safer is widely quoted and remembered due to his trailblazing journalism career, which spanned decades and continents. His reporting was marked by a commitment to truth-telling and a willingness to challenge those in power. He remains an icon of journalistic integrity and a reminder of the importance of fearless reporting in holding governments accountable.
Safer's influence extends beyond his own reporting, as he helped shape the way journalists approach foreign affairs coverage. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of reporters and is a testament to the enduring impact of his work.
Quotes by Morley Safer
I really feel stateless, which is not bad, because I always felt a man without a country was not encumbered by narrow loyalties.
If you want to look at a cheap shot, look at Mr. Koons's or Mr. Gober's art. By no definition is it art.
For the most part, I think American armies are awfully good in the business of protecting civilians, of not going over the line.
McNamara's plea was that he had no idea that Vietnam had a history of longing for self-determination, a history of resisting foreign invasion.
We don't want anything from the government but that furtive little fellow called the truth - which, by the way, they'll never give you - which you have to go out and find by talking to people.
After more than 50 years of broadcasting on 'CBS News' and '60 Minutes,' I have decided to retire. It's been a wonderful run, but the time has come to say goodbye to all of my friends at CBS and the dozens of people who kept me on the air.
I really don't like being on television. It makes me uneasy. It is not natural to be talking to a piece of machinery. But the money is very good.