Lasting Legacy of Dan Rather: A Look at the Influence on History

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 27, 2025

How the contributions of Dan Rather continue to shape the world today.

Dan Rather is an American journalist and former national evening news anchor, renowned for his extensive career covering major historical events. He gained early recognition for his reporting during Hurricane Carla in 1961, aiding in the evacuation of 350,000 people. Throughout his career, Rather reported on pivotal moments such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, 9/11, the Iraq War, and the war on terror, establishing himself as a prominent figure in broadcast journalism.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1971: Rather's cameo in All in the Family

In 1971, Dan Rather had a cameo appearance in an episode of All in the Family, where he delivered post-speech analysis of a Richard Nixon address.

1987: "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" becomes a pop culture reference

In 1987, the phrase "What's the frequency, Kenneth?" became a popular culture reference after the attack on Dan Rather, appearing in media such as the album Lolita Nation.

1994: R.E.M. releases "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?"

In 1994, R.E.M. released the song "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" on their album Monster, referencing the attack on Dan Rather.

1994: Sam Houston State Renames Building After Rather

In 1994, Sam Houston State University renamed its mass communications building after Dan Rather.

1998: "Rocked by Rape" mashup song parodies Rather

In 1998, the Evolution Control Committee created the mashup song "Rocked by Rape", parodying TV news by using phrases uttered by Dan Rather.

2000: 2000 election

Dan Ratherisms were used to commentate the 2000 election.

2000: CBS sends cease-and-desist letter over "Rocked by Rape"

In 2000, CBS sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Evolution Control Committee over their mashup song "Rocked by Rape", claiming copyright violation. After fair use responses, CBS desisted.

2004: Featured in Barbecue: A Texas Love Story

In 2004, Dan Rather was featured in the documentary film Barbecue: A Texas Love Story.

2004: Inducted into Television Hall of Fame

In 2004, Dan Rather was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.

March 9, 2005: Last Broadcast as CBS Evening News Anchor

On March 9, 2005, Dan Rather delivered his final broadcast as the anchorman and Managing Editor of the CBS Evening News, ending a 24-year tenure.

January 24, 2006: Rather Speaks About Lack of Courage by Journalists

On January 24, 2006, Dan Rather spoke to a Seattle audience, criticizing the lack of courage among American journalists, suggesting they have adopted a 'go along, get along' attitude.

2006: Character in Shooting War graphic novel

In 2006, Dan Rather was featured as a character in the Shooting War graphic novel, set in the year 2011.

2007: Rather appears in Dirty Sexy Money and The Simpsons

In 2007, Dan Rather had a cameo in the premiere of the drama Dirty Sexy Money and guest-starred in The Simpsons episode, "E Pluribus Wiggum".

2008: Criticizes Political Influence in Journalism

At a 2008 conference in Minneapolis, Dan Rather criticized both local and national news organizations, stating that there is no longer incentive to do "good and valuable news".

2008: Appearance in Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story

In 2008, Dan Rather appeared in the award-winning documentary Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story.

2008: Ratherisms used in HBO's Recount

In 2008, the HBO made-for-TV movie Recount about the 2000 Election, used many of Dan Rather's colorful analogies and descriptions, known as "Ratherisms".

May 2009: Rather appears on The Daily Show

In May 2009, Dan Rather appeared on The Daily Show, wearing an Afro wig and mutton-chop sideburns to narrate a segment parodying MSNBC's coverage of President Obama and Vice President Biden's hamburger lunch.

2011: Shooting War Graphic Novel set

In 2011, the Shooting War graphic novel was set, where Dan Rather was featured as a character.

2012: Publishes Autobiography 'Rather Outspoken'

In 2012, Dan Rather published his autobiography titled 'Rather Outspoken: My Life in the News'.

2015: Portrayal in Truth and appearance in Facing Saddam

In 2015, Robert Redford portrayed Dan Rather in the film Truth, and Rather appeared in the documentary series Facing in the episode "Facing Saddam".

2017: Digital Humanities Project Completed at UT

In the fall of 2017, the Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas completed a digital humanities project dedicated to the career of Dan Rather titled 'Dan Rather: American Journalist'.