Background Information

Bob Scheiffer has worked as a television journalist for CBS since 1969. He has covered the White House, the Pentagon, The United States Department of State and Congress. Scheiffer also moderated a presidential debate between Bush and Kerry in 2004. He was a moderator on both Face the Nation and CBS Evening News. He retired from CBS news in August of 2006. Scheiffer and his family were considered very close with the Bush family. He also published a memoir title This Just In, covering his time as a beat reporter to broadcaster while at CBS news.

Helen Thomas has been a member of the White House Press Corps. for 57 years. She has also worked as the White House bureau chief for United Press International. Thomas has covered every president since John F. Kennedy. She as the first female member and president of The White House Correspondent Association and has authored four books. During JFK’s presidency she began the long standing tradition of ending all presidential press conferences with “Thank you, Mr. President.” Towards the end of the Bush Administration this tradition was terminated, most likely due to Thomas’ open disdain toward President Bush. Currently she works for Hearst News Service where she writes a highly opinionated White House Column.

The Edward R. Murrow Symposium recognizes excellence in communication and connects WSU with industry icons.