Bill Moyers, former White House press secretary and celebrated TV journalist known for groundbreaking PBS programs, passed away at 91 after a long illness. Learn about his impactful career.
Bill Moyers, Former White House Press Secretary and Acclaimed Journalist, Dies at 91
Bill Moyers, a towering figure in American journalism and a former White House press secretary, has died at age 91. Known for his thoughtful, insightful TV programs on public television, Moyers passed away Thursday at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York after a long illness, according to his son William and longtime friend Tom Johnson, former CNN CEO.
From White House Press Secretary to Television Legend
Moyers’ remarkable career spanned many roles:
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Baptist minister in his youth
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Deputy director of the Peace Corps
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Press secretary for President Lyndon B. Johnson
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Senior news analyst and correspondent at CBS
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Creator and host of influential PBS series
His work on public television earned him widespread respect for exploring topics from government corruption and environmental issues to religion and the arts.
Groundbreaking Work and Powerful Interviews
In 1988, Moyers produced the investigative series “The Secret Government” uncovering the Iran-Contra scandal. He also brought profound conversations to TV screens, such as the six-part series “Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth”, which became a bestseller.
His interviews with poet Robert Bly sparked the 1990s Men’s Movement, and his 1993 series “Healing and the Mind” influenced medical education. Moyers’ calm, probing style made his interviews deeply human and thought-provoking.
A Lifelong Commitment to Honest Journalism
Moyers described himself as a “citizen journalist”, committed to independent, truthful reporting. While critics sometimes labeled him a liberal, Moyers embraced openness and the pursuit of diverse ideas.
He often spoke about the challenges of commercial TV, praising public television as a platform where serious, honest discussions could thrive outside profit pressures.
Honors and Legacy
Over his career, Moyers earned:
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More than 30 Emmy Awards
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11 Peabody Awards
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3 George Polk Awards
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Two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Gold Baton Awards
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Induction into the Television Hall of Fame in 1995
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born June 5, 1934, in Hugo, Oklahoma, Moyers grew up in Texas. Initially a sportswriter, he changed his byline from “Billy” to “Bill.” After earning a divinity degree and briefly preaching, he began his political career working for then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson.
Moyers was on Air Force One with Johnson after JFK’s assassination and served as Johnson’s press secretary until 1966, resigning over Vietnam War policy disagreements.
A Lasting Influence on Public Media
After leaving the White House, Moyers led the Newsday newspaper to two Pulitzer Prizes and later focused on public TV. He created and hosted Bill Moyers Journal, a platform for intellectual and cultural exploration.
In 1986, he and his wife Judith formed Public Affairs Television, producing award-winning programs independently funded by viewer support.
Remembering Bill Moyers
Bill Moyers is remembered as a journalist who used television not just to report the news, but to explore deeper truths. His thoughtful approach and commitment to democracy through conversation have left a lasting mark on American media.
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