CBS News and the Special Events Unit: A historical study of the management and programming decisions surrounding the Apollo 11 space broadcasts

This study is a historical research analysis into the CBS News Apollo 11 space broadcasts from July 16--24, 1969. The study examined the programming, technological and economic decisions made by The CBS News Special Events Unit management team led by Executive Producer Robert J. Wussler, and its influence on them. Three research questions guided the study: (1) What factors led to the management and programming decisions by the CBS News Special Events Unit? (2) How were the management and programming decisions implemented into the Apollo 11 launch-day broadcasts? and, (3) What were the immediate and long-term television broadcasting and societal effects of the CBS News Apollo 11 broadcasts? The results of the study indicated that many factors enabled CBS News to attain huge ratings and critical acclaim for its Apollo 11 broadcasts: the CBS News Management team's high commitment to broadcasting the Apollo 11 flight and lunar landing; an unprecedented amount of coverage devoted to the event; an international perspective instilled into the telecasts; innovative use of technology to enhance some of its coverage; anchor Walter Cronkite's experience with and enthusiasm for space reporting; and the inclusion of retired astronaut Walter (Wally) Schirra to assist anchor Walter Cronkite in accumulating huge ratings for the Apollo 11 telecasts. The CBS News Apollo 11 telecasts appeared to influence subsequent television news coverage of space flights in some ways. However, declining television network and public interest in space exploration over time minimized the long-term effects.