NORWALK, Connecticut (AP) - Christopher Glenn, a longtime CBS news correspondent who anchored coverage of the space shuttle Challenger explosion and was the voice of the children's program "In the News" in 1970s and 80s, has died. He was 68.
Glenn died Tuesday of liver cancer in Norwalk Hospital less than three weeks before his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame, the network said.
The award-winning newsman retired in February after 35 years with CBS. His distinctive voice was familiar to those who remember the Emmy-award winning "In the News." The 2 1/2-minute feature on one topic was broadcast every half hour during Saturday children's programming on CBS. It debuted in September 1971 and ran for 5,000 episodes over 13 seasons.
He anchored and reported on many national stories including space shuttle missions and served as a floor reporter at national political conventions.
It was Glenn who anchored the Jan. 28, 1986, launch of the doomed shuttle Challenger and delivered an anguished commentary as the spacecraft exploded shortly after lift off.
"This flight, which was to have been such a bright chapter in the history of the manned space flight program, turning in the flash of an instant into a terrible, terrible tragedy," he said.
He also became the anchor for the CBS "World New Roundup" in 1999 after spending 11 years in a similar capacity for "The World Tonight."
Glenn garnered many national awards, the latest in 2005 when he won the Radio Television News Directors Edward R. Murrow award for best newscast. He will be enshrined on Nov. 4 into the Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago.
Born in New York City, Glenn was raised in Irvington, New York. He received a bachelors degree in English from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1959.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne, two daughters and a sister.
A memorial service will be held at a later date, said CBS spokesman Kevin Tedesco.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
A timeless voice in the broadcasting industry has gone silent into the night. For there will never be another voice so appropriate for news as Christopher Glenn May you rest in peace and your voice and soul always serve as an inspiration to all those in the broadcasting business .
Steven Levin
February 23, 2017 | Quincy, MA
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Christopher, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Harry Simpson
October 17, 2014 | Alpharetta, GA
Christopher Glenn had THE voice for news. As a kid in Elementary School, I would listen to him give us the "round up" of what was happening in the world. During our class Current Events sessions, I would quote the news as reported by Mr. Glenn verbatim! He was great at his craft and is surely missed by many.
D. L. Watson
April 08, 2014 | St. Ann, MO
I happened to look at a web article of john glenn and christopher glenn come up on my search. I'm 55 years of and absolutly remember his news segments on saturday's I looked foward to hearing
Mr Glenn as much as the schedulded show. and also remember his shuttle reports. Take care
[email protected]
March 14, 2014
I remember Mr Glenn's broadcast of the Chernobyl disaster in the AM predawn in 1986 as a kid. Used to sleep with radio on and would wake up to his reporting. I knew he had passed and remain sorry for your loss. I never knew him but won't forget him.
Bryan v
December 11, 2013 | Puyallup, WA
AS akid growing up in the 70S i was tuned in every day for world news round up and i pretended to be mr glenn i miss him dearly i am dean kuykendall and thats the wold news round up
October 17, 2013
I had the wonderful opportunity to do a phone interview with Mr. Glenn in 1988,(which i still have on tape) while studying Broadcasting in Boston. One of my favorite voices of all time. I listen to that interview every so often, and regret that I just found out about this fine man's passing. I send out my very best to his friends and family. I first heard him in the early 70's on "In the News". The loss of Mr. Glenn is the end of an era...what an incredible contribution he made!!!
Andrew Weeks
March 05, 2012 | Rutland, VT
Christmas time again...I miss you, dad.
Lindsay Glenn
December 21, 2011 | Norwalk, CT
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Matthew Wall
June 21, 2009 | Parrish, FL