Bob Schieffer Retiring: Final Episode As ‘Face The Nation’ Host Airs Sunday
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Bob Schieffer announced that he would be retiring after 58 years of working in the journalism industry. Schieffer made the announcement at Texas Christian University (TCU), where his career started.
“It’s been a great adventure. You know, I’m one of the luckiest people in the world because as a little boy, as a young reporter, I always wanted to be a journalist, and I got to do that.”
This Sunday will mark the final time that Bob Schieffer will host the weekly news program, Face the Nation. According to the New York Times, Schieffer has served as host of the show for 24 years and helped bring an increase in viewership since he took over the position.
I’m a lucky guy. Started reporting when I was 20 & Sunday is my last day as @FaceTheNation host. We’ll do what we always do, report the news
— Bob Schieffer (@bobschieffer) May 29, 2015
This isn’t the first time that Schieffer announced he would be retiring. Back in 2003, Schieffer was diagnosed with bladder cancer. In 2005, after the cancer went into remission, Schieffer then told the New York Times that he would retire in 2007.
“I’ll be 70. That’s long enough.”
But Bob Schieffer has continued to work since that announcement. While his health may not be in the best condition, Schieffer said that was not what led him to retirement, which he noted will actually happen this time around.
“I have all these other diseases, diabetes and ulcerative colitis and all that — but they seem to be in remission and treatable. As my doctor said, ‘For the shape you’re in, you’re in pretty good shape.'”
Schieffer started working for CBS News back in 1969, according to WFMY News 2. He has interviewed every president from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama, and he recently had President Obama on Face the Nation for a third interview. Schieffer also served as the moderator for three presidential debates and has interviewed numerous politicians who were making bids for the White House.
David Rhodes, the president of CBS News, said back when Bob Schieffer announced his retirement that the longtime journalist is “an inspiration” to many.
“You could see at TCU tonight how that inspiration extends to a wider community of reporters and editors and academics.”
Former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw said the key to Bob Schieffer’s success was the “everyman quality” he had.
“It was no surprise to me that he did as well as he did.”
Schieffer’s final episode as host of Face the Nation begins May 31 at 8 a.m. on CBS. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Schieffer will interview former Florida Governor Jeb Bush during the program.
[Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Nancy Jones]
