He was noted for the introduction of 60 Minutes and the CBS Morning News and Sunday Morning programs during his tenure and for his quest to shape broadcast journalism integrity in the face of the industry's own tendency to emphasize entertainment content, and in the face of pushback from the Nixon administration regarding unfavorable reporting on the conduct of the US Department of Defense during the Vietnam War era.
He was acknowledged for his contributions launching 60 Minutes and the CBS Morning News and Sunday Morning programs, while also advocating for journalistic credibility in the face of the industry's emphasis on entertainment content and resistance from the Nixon administration regarding critical reporting on the US Department of Defense during the Vietnam War era.