NEW YORK (AP) — Bill Moyers, celebrated former White House press secretary and a titan of American journalism, passed away Thursday at the age of 91. His remarkable career spanned decades, using television as a platform to explore and elucidate complex ideas.
Moyers succumbed to a lengthy illness at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City, as confirmed by Tom Johnson, a close friend and former CNN CEO who worked with Moyers during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. His son, William, shared details of his father’s final days.
From his early days as a Baptist minister to his significant roles as deputy director of the Peace Corps, Moyers’ journey included serving as Johnson’s press secretary, newspaper publisher, and senior news analyst for "The CBS Evening News" before becoming chief correspondent for "CBS Reports." However, it was his work in public television that established him as a leading voice, distinguished by both the depth and breadth of the topics he covered — ranging from governmental corruption and drug addiction to environmental issues and the arts.
In 1988, Moyers gained prominence with “The Secret Government,” which delved into the Iran-Contra scandal, while simultaneously launching a best-selling book. His exploration of mythology through the series “Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth,” featuring insightful discussions with the renowned scholar, captivated audiences and became a cultural touchstone.
Moyers is also credited with catalyzing the 1990s Men’s Movement through conversations with poet Robert Bly and influencing medical education with his 1993 series “Healing and the Mind.” Known for his unique approach to interviews, Moyers remarked, “The most fascinating production value is the human face,” emphasizing the importance of genuine conversation.
Emphasizing Truth in Journalism
With a distinctive Texas accent and a calm demeanor, Moyers was often viewed as a humanist dedicated to scrutinizing society with a thoughtful, engaging style. While some criticized him for his liberal leanings tied to his relationships with Johnson and public broadcasting, he embraced the term "old-fashioned liberal" in a 2004 radio interview, aligning himself as a "citizen journalist" dedicated to exploring diverse perspectives.
Moyers thrived in public television, which granted him the freedom to discuss pressing societal issues openly. He asserted in a 2007 AP interview: “I think my peers in commercial television… do not get rewarded for telling the hard truths about America in a profit-seeking environment.”
Over his illustrious career, Moyers received numerous accolades, including more than 30 Emmys and 11 George Foster Peabody awards, in addition to honors such as the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Gold Baton Award. In 1995, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Billy Don Moyers on June 5, 1934, in Hugo, Oklahoma, he grew up in Marshall, Texas. His pursuit of journalism began in high school as a sportswriter, where he quickly changed his name to Bill Moyers for a more professional appeal. He later received his degree from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, though he eventually moved away from the ministry.
Moyers’ entry into politics and journalism began when he offered his services to then-Senator Johnson during his re-election campaign. This relationship deepened as he worked closely with Johnson throughout the 1960s, including during the traumatic days following JFK’s assassination.
Moyers resigned as press secretary in December 1966, feeling disillusioned by the war policies of the Johnson administration, famously stating that the government had become a "war government" devoid of its reformative spirit.
A Pioneering Television Career
In 1967, Moyers took the helm at Newsday, leading it to notable Pulitzers for investigative work. After parting ways with the publication, he traveled the nation, chronicling his experiences in the best-selling book, “Listening to America: A Traveler Rediscovers His Country.”
He garnered acclaim for “Bill Moyers Journal,” conducting in-depth interviews with influential figures like economist Gunnar Myrdal and poet Maya Angelou. Over the years, he transitioned between network roles before founding Public Affairs Television with his wife, Judith, becoming independent producers who funded their projects through grassroots efforts.
In the 21st century, Moyers remained active in the realm of public discourse, hosting programs and producing a podcast that tackled pressing issues such as racial equality and political developments under the Trump administration.
Moyers leaves behind a legacy intertwined with his beloved wife Judith, a collaborator in both life and work, and their three children, including notable authors Suzanne and William Cope Moyers. His profound impact on journalism and public television is indelible, marking him as a luminary in the landscape of American media.