Morgan Freeman Lends Voice to CBS

Nearly six months after his death, Walter Cronkite's voice is leaving the "CBS Evening News."

The CBS News legend recorded a voiceover introducing current anchor Katie Couric when she started on the job in 2006. CBS kept Cronkite's voice on the broadcast even after he died in July.

Listen to Freeman announcing the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric

Special Section: Walter Cronkite: 1916-2009
Morgan Freeman

With a new year, CBS replaced Cronkite's voice Monday with that of actor Morgan Freeman.

CBS News and Sports President Sean McManus says that Cronkite's voice was comforting but that it's time to move forward.

Freeman offers CBS the flexibility to record different introductions for different programs.

[richie-don]

That new intro has GOT to go. It's just awful. I created my
CBS News account because I just had to comment. Bring back Walter, or
at least someone with a generic, not fake accent, voice. UGH!!!

[UltraHelpful]

I might be missing something here, but what in the world does the fine actor Morgan Freeman have to do with Broadcast Journalism, Journalism, or the legacy of CBS NEWS ?

The only connection may be that Freeman has appeared on theatrically released movies that have been broadcast on CBS-TV over the years. Still trying to figure this out...mmm???

Possibly CBS felt it would be odd to continue to use the voice of Walter Cronkite to introduce the CBS Evening News since he is no longer living.

I feel this would be an honor to everyone involved to continue to use Cronkite unless his family, of course, asked to stop using his voice.

UltraHelpful

Redondo Beach and San Diego, California (Where The People Are Real)

[lindafitzgerald]

To have an introduction to your newscast by someone of the stature of Mr. Cronkite was incredible. A lifelong NBC newswatcher, I changed to CBS when Katie Couric started. I notice Cronkite's introduction every night, and it feels reassuring. While greatly admiring Morgan Freeman and his voice, I cannot fathom replacing Cronkite's fabulous voice as a newscaster for any reason! Please change it back.

[lindafitzgerald]

As much as I enjoy Morgan Freeman as an actor, I was appalled to find you replaced Walter Cronkite's voice to introduce the evening news.
Although being an NBC news watcher my entire life (57 years!), I switched to CBS when Katie Couric took over. The use of a historic, revered introduction from Mr. Cronkite made the transition smooth and quite reassuring. I find myself extremely disappointed in this change, and wonder, what made you feel it was a good idea? Along with Katie, the introduction was an extremely positive part of the newscast. Please consider changing it back.

[dhammer12]

I am amazed people are sooooo deferential to a 72 year old man who has reportedly been having an affair with his 25 year old step-grandaughter since she was purportedly 17 years old. No seems remotely concerned with that image. In fact, reporters are hands off since the illustrious Mr. Freeman has worked with the likes of Clint Eastwood and such other luminaries. I guess what is bad for Woody Allen is not so bad for Morgan Freeman. And, Please, lets not forget Roman Polanski. Oh, right, it's not incest because she's only a "step" granddaughter. CBS thanks for adding to list of journalistic hypocrites!

[Spokane-Dude]

As much as I respect Morgan Freeman, I really didn't like the action you took when you replaced Cronkite's lead-in. Why do you continue to disrespect him? Shame on you! And Freeman can't even pronounce Couric's last name properly!

We are going to watch Diane Sawyer now, you just put the nail in the coffin.

[alfapryme]

It's not the fact that u followed the leader and had a famous actor or pitchman become the new voice of the evening news,Mr. Freeman is 1 of my favorite's.You did it without respect to Mr. Cronkite.It was a sense of history hearing the voice of the greatest newsman and the last link to the great past of CBS NEWS. Everytime u make progress against your competitors u always seem to screw it up. Katie Couric has grown from a fiasco to an equal to the other 2 choices at 6:30 if not surpassed them. Also what would happen if u gave Mr. Schiefer an hr. on Face the Nation just like his 2 competitors (too expensive?).
I have watched Ms. Couric grow from the 1st broadcast and she is excellent. Keeping a link to the past greatness of CBS NEWS is just something u shouldn't have screwd around with.

[formrusmcsgt]

The problem at CBS isn't the intro, it's what follows that sucks.

Schieffer was credible but stodgy.

Couric can't even manage credible....

I do watch when Maggie sits in, however.

[AnneMarie51]

I am a huge fan of Morgan Freeman's work and I'm sure he was honored to do the voice over for the Evening News, but I have to say that when I tune in for the news I really expect to hear the commanding voice of Walter Cronkite. His voice has a presence about it, which says to me sit up,take notice,pay attention and listen which is what I think you would like for it to say to everyone. Please reconsider using Mr. Cronkite's voice, I truly missed it tonight. Thanks, Anne Marie

[jlclancy]

that was a great idea!! but I don't have problem with Cronkite. The only problem i see on the Evening News now is the ugly graphics and set.. someone made a petition online to change that.. check this out.. http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/cenneedsnewslook

CBS pls change the set and graphics!