He has contributed so much to this nation - producing decades of investigative PBS documentaries and demonstrating how Liberal journalism/commentary can be kind and respectful, as well as strong and authoritative. Bill Moyers will be missed.

His many fans were able to talk him into staying on the air a little longer, but this time, Bill Moyers tells his viewers in a letter, "This time, it's the real deal." Here is an excerpt:



Dear Viewers: The third and final year of Moyers & Company comes to an end on January 2 and I am writing to assure you that this time it’s the real deal. You may recall that we had originally raised the funds in 2011 for a two-year series but when I announced last fall that the end was near, thousands of you wrote imploring us to reconsider. My long-time funders came forward with a renewed commitment to a third year of support. How could I say no? But as the end of the third year approaches it’s time finally to sign off. I do so as the luckiest fellow in broadcast journalism for having been a part of public television for over half of my 80 years. … See full letter: BillMoyers.com



Born in Oklahoma, Moyers began reporting for a local Texas newspaper at the age of 16. In 1956, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism at UT in Austin, where he wrote for The Daily Texan. Moyers is also an ordained minister, and completed a Master of Divinity degree in 1959.

In 1961, while Kennedy was in office, Bill Moyers began working as the associate director of public affairs for the newly formed Peace Corps. After Kennedy was assassinated, Moyers became a key advisor for President Johnson and was instrumental in helping Johnson get elected in 1964. He also served as White House press secretary from 1965-1967. For a brief time, Moyers worked as a CBS editor & chief correspondent in the 1970's, and also as an NBC political analyst/commentator in 1995.

Most of us know Bill Moyers for his resounding presence on public television where he has been for the last 40 years. When I think of PBS, Moyers comes to mind, along with a strange calmness. The calmness comes from his voice, his smile, and the comfort in knowing he's speaking with truth and integrity. You can believe him. And you can see that same calmness and trust emulated in the eyes of his guests, when he interviews Maya Angelou, Dalai Lama, Elizabeth Warren, Sandra Day O'Connor, Pete Seeger, Neil deGrasse, Jane Goodall, Jon Stewart, Howard Zinn, Susan Sontag, Desmond TuTu, and hundreds more. The topics Moyers has essayed/documented include just about every political and human interest tag imaginable.

So much good can be said about Bill Moyers. He is a national treasure. I've barely touched the surface of his life's work and achievements, all of which have educated and benefited the public. He's one of the most trusted and admired journalists in the country, loved not only by his viewers, but also by his many friends and peers within the industry and throughout the world. Although his departure is several months away, I feel a sadness, as well as a very deep appreciation for the years he has given us. I don't think I'm alone when I say, I miss him already.

Here's to you, Mr. Moyers.

