Charles Bierbauer, Esteemed CNN Correspondent, Dies at 83

Charles Bierbauer, a significant figure in American journalism whose career spanned several decades and included stints as a CNN White House correspondent and dean of the University of South Carolina’s journalism program, has died at the age of 83.

Bierbauer passed away at his home in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, according to university spokesman Jeff Stensland. His family provided no specific cause of death but noted he lived a good, long life before his generous heart gave out.

Bierbauer’s journalism career began in his native Pennsylvania, where he worked as a weekend radio reporter. He then moved to The Associated Press in Pittsburgh and later won an Overseas Press Club Award in 1973 for his reporting on the Yom Kippur War. Reports indicate that Bierbauer was once detained in Moscow’s Red Square while filming an anti-Soviet demonstration.

Bierbauer served for four years with ABC News before embarking on a two-decade tenure at CNN, starting a year after the network’s inception. During this time, he covered the Pentagon, the White House, the Supreme Court, and numerous political stories and presidential campaigns. Bierbauer also hosted the weekly current events show “Newsmaker Saturday” for a decade.

He later transitioned to academia in South Carolina, becoming the first dean of the state flagship university’s College of Information and Communications. His contributions here included a significant fundraising effort and the launch of a childhood literacy initiative, Cocky’s Reading Express.

Jay Bender, a former attorney for the South Carolina Press Association and retired professor, remembered Bierbauer as a distinguished broadcaster and educator. “His contributions to the USC Journalism School as dean were significant,” Bender said.

Bierbauer earned degrees in journalism and Russian from Penn State University. He was married to Susanne Schafer, a longtime military affairs reporter for AP, and is survived by Schafer and their four children, as well as several grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

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CNN spokesperson remembered him as “a cherished member of the CNN family” and a “tireless reporter and wonderful colleague.” Former CNN colleague Wolf Blitzer described Bierbauer as a good friend, colleague, and mentor.

In conclusion, Charles Bierbauer, a towering figure in American journalism, has passed away at the age of 83. His legacy, both in broadcasting and academia, will be felt by future generations of journalists. We wish his family peace and comfort during this difficult time.