David Brinkley: NBC and ABC Anchor of Huntley-Brinkley Dies at 82

David Brinkley was an American television journalist, long a leading voice on NBC and ABC. Born on July 10, 1920, in Wilmington, North Carolina, he started as a newspaper reporter and joined NBC in 1943.

Brinkley co-anchored The Huntley-Brinkley Report from 1956 to 1970, famous for the sign-off "Good night, Chet. Good night, David." He later hosted ABC's Sunday program This Week with David Brinkley from 1981 to 1996. He wrote three books, including Washington Goes to War.

Brinkley won ten Emmys, three Peabody Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992, and entered the Television Hall of Fame in 1988. He had four children, including historian Alan Brinkley and journalist Joel Brinkley. He died in Houston on June 11, 2003, at age 82, from complications of a fall.

Achievements: Ten Emmy Awards, three Peabody Awards, Presidential Medal of Freedom (1992).

Birth: July 10, 1920 - Wilmington, North Carolina.

Profession: Television anchor.

Interesting Facts: In a 1996 hot-mic moment he made remarks critical of President Clinton and declined to apologize.