Chet Huntley
Chester Robert Huntley (1911-1974) is known most popularly for his co-anchorage of The Huntley-Brinkley Report. Broadcasted by the National Broadcasting Company, the show was the top rated in television during its 15 year duration. He was also a former employee of CBS and ABC News from 1937 to 1955, until he was hired by NBC News. His first relations with future co-anchor, David Brinkley, began when the two covered the Republican and Democrats conventions together. When NBC placed Brinkley and Huntley together, they formed a dynamic duo, receiving eight Emmy Awards, and twenty million viewers[1]. A research company found that Huntley and his partner were more widely recognized then famous stars;including, James Stewart, Cary Grantand the Beatles[2]. Huntley retired in August of 1970, and returned to his Montana ranch. He died of lung cancer in 1974[3].
Awards
While winning eight Emmy Awards with his partner, David Brinkley, for the The Huntley-Brinkley Report, Huntley also received many personal awards; included, the prestigious Alfred I. dePont Award, two Oversease Press Club Awards, and the George Polk Memorial Award.
Trivia
- On the Huntley-Brinkley Report, co-anchors, David Brinkley and Huntley would end the newscast by with the now well known phase, "Good night, David,"and the other responding, "Good night, Chet."
- Huntley developed, the "Big Sky" resort, in Montana where he retired.
- In Huntley's first job after attending the University of Washington he received $10 a month[4].
- At the hight of the Huntley-Brinkley Report, Huntley received an estimated $200,000 salary.
