Willard Franklin "Bill" Shadel, a renowned American news anchor, had a multifaceted career spanning CBS Radio and ABC Television. His early years showcased his musical talents, as he provided music for silent movies, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
During World War II, Shadel made history by covering D-Day for CBS Radio, one of only 28 American reporters in Europe to provide firsthand reports on the landings. His wartime broadcasts have been preserved and are still used in journalism schools across the country, serving as a testament to his groundbreaking work.
Shadel worked alongside esteemed colleagues at CBS, including Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, Eric Sevareid, and Howard K. Smith. He and Murrow had the distinction of being the first reporters to witness the concentration camp at Buchenwald on April 12, 1945, a day that also marked the passing of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Shadel played a pivotal role in the launch of "Face the Nation," serving as its initial host. He later transitioned to anchor the ABC evening news, ultimately becoming the moderator for the third presidential debate between Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy in 1960.
In his later years, Shadel brought his wealth of experience to the academic realm, serving as a professor of communications at the University of Washington.
