In 1986, I was on my way to teach a class when I was told about the Challenger disaster. I cancelled the class and went to a little diner in Tuscaloosa to drink coffee and watch their television, which was tuned to ABC news. Peter Jennings’ coverage impressed me so much that from then on, whatever happened in the world, his was the voice and appearance I depended on.
After the elections of 2000, I stopped watching the news as often, but when 9/11 happened, it was back to ABC for me. The news was the same no matter what, but somehow it was always a little easier to take when he delivered it.
I will miss him.