Charles Bierbauer, Renowned Journalist, Passes Away at 83

Charles Bierbauer, a notable former correspondent for CNN and past president of the White House Correspondents Association, has died at the age of 83. His passing occurred at his home in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, as confirmed by a university spokesman. While the cause of death wasn’t specified, his family noted in an obituary that “His generous heart gave after a long life.”

Bierbauer’s career in journalism began in Pennsylvania. A year later, he joined the Associated Press in Pittsburgh and eventually earned the International Press Club Award in 1973 for his coverage of the Yom Kippur War.

Notably, he faced challenges during his career, including an incident where he was detained in Moscow’s Red Square while filming an anti-Soviet demonstration. Additionally, while covering Muhammad Ali’s trip to the Soviet Union in 1978, he was accused by the Soviet press of posing “unfair questions.”

After spending four years at ABC News, Bierbauer joined CNN shortly after its inception. Over the next two decades, he covered a wide array of significant topics, including the Pentagon, the White House, the Supreme Court, and numerous political events and presidential elections. He also hosted a well-known weekly show, News Maker Saturday, for a decade, often traveling with presidents both domestically and internationally.

Later, Bierbauer became the first dean of the University of South Carolina’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications. He was instrumental in launching Cocky’s Reading Express, a literacy initiative for children, and he led significant fundraising and modernization efforts for the program.

Even at the university, he stayed engaged with broadcasting by partnering with SCETV, where he hosted another current events show and facilitated discussions among political candidates in South Carolina.

Jay Bender, a former attorney for the South Carolina Press Association, remembered Bierbauer as a significant broadcaster and educator. He emphasized Bierbauer’s influence as dean, particularly in modernizing the journalism school.

Tom Reihart, who succeeded Bierbauer as dean, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the lasting impact Bierbauer had on the program, including fundraising successes and support for Pulitzer Prize-winning students.

Bierbauer was married to Susanne Schafer, who reported on military issues for the Associated Press. He held degrees in Journalism and Russian from Penn State University and is survived by his wife, four children, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A spokesperson for CNN reflected on Bierbauer’s legacy, calling him a cherished member of the network and praising his dedication as a reporter. Former colleague Wolf Blitzer shared his sentiments, stating, “Charles inspired me and helped me through my missions at the Pentagon and the White House. He was a good friend, a colleague, a mentor. I certainly miss him.”