Beloved CBS News Correspondent Passes Away at 87

Legendary CBS News correspondent Phil Jones, known for his tenacious reporting and dedication to truth, has passed away at 87, leaving behind a legacy that shaped broadcast journalism.

At a Glance

Phil Jones, a CBS News correspondent for over 30 years, died at his home in Florida.
He joined CBS News in 1969 during Walter Cronkite’s tenure and was considered one of “Cronkite’s Kids.”
Jones won an Emmy for his Vietnam War coverage and was renowned for his political reporting, including Watergate and the Clinton impeachment.
Known for his tenacity, Jones pursued stories wherever they led, even riding a mule through Burma for a segment.
Jones criticized modern news networks for prioritizing profits over experienced journalism.

A Distinguished Career in Journalism

Phil Jones, a stalwart of American journalism, passed away at his home in Florida over the weekend. The former CBS News correspondent, who served the network for more than three decades, was 87 years old. Jones is survived by his son, Paul, and daughter, Pam, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly influenced the landscape of broadcast journalism.

Jones’ journey in journalism began in 1969 when he joined CBS News during Walter Cronkite’s tenure as anchor of the “CBS Evening News.” He quickly became known as one of “Cronkite’s Kids,” a group of young, talented reporters who would go on to shape the future of news reporting. His impact was immediately felt, as he won an Emmy for his coverage of the Vietnam War shortly after joining the network.

Phil Jones, a CBS News correspondent for more than 30 years, has died. He was 87. https://t.co/vrFfqJ4Yvb

— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 25, 2024

A Tenacious Political Reporter

Throughout his career, Jones gained renown for his political reporting in Washington. He covered pivotal events such as the Watergate scandal and served as a White House correspondent during the Ford administration. His dedication to uncovering the truth extended to his coverage of the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton.

“Well, in many ways, I was just like Gerald Ford – a Midwestern boy,” Jones once remarked, reflecting on his roots and connection to the political landscape he covered.

Jones’ tenacity in pursuing stories became legendary. He was known to go to great lengths for a story, including riding a mule through Burma for a “48 Hours” segment on a drug kingpin. This commitment to thorough reporting earned him respect from colleagues and viewers alike.

A Voice for Journalistic Integrity

In his later years, Jones became a vocal critic of the changing landscape of news media. He expressed concern over the shift from process-oriented political journalism to more superficial, celebrity-focused reporting. Jones highlighted the impact of cable news and the internet on traditional news standards, noting the decline in quality and credibility due to the influence of inexperienced journalists and the focus on sensationalism.

Upon Jones’ retirement in 2001, colleague Eric Engberg highlighted the impact of his career, stating, “Every lying, conniving, thieving, sniveling politician in Washington is going to sleep better with you gone.” This tribute underscored Jones’ reputation as a journalist who held those in power accountable.

A Lasting Legacy

Phil Jones’ passing marks the end of an era in broadcast journalism. His career spanned some of the most significant events in recent American history, from the Vietnam War to the Clinton impeachment. Jones’ commitment to truth, accuracy, and in-depth reporting set a high standard for journalists of his time and future generations.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the principles that guided Phil Jones’ career – integrity, tenacity, and a commitment to informing the public – remain as relevant as ever. His legacy serves as a reminder of the vital role that dedicated, professional journalists play in a democratic society.