From Apologia to Farewell: Dan Rather, CBS News, and Image Restoration Following the 60 Minutes 'Memogate' Scandal

• In Event: After the Bridges Have Been Burned: Apologia and Image Repair

Abstract

This paper outlines the tumultuous career of Dan Rather, a longtime CBS News reporter and anchor. Using image restoration theory and apologia as a lens of analysis, the paper examines Rather’s apology on the CBS Evening News stemming from a 60 Minutes Wednesday story—criticizing President George W. Bush’s service in the Texas Air National Guard—supported by fraudulent sources.

Author

• Joseph Mazer, Clemson University