He was noted for the introduction of 60 Minutes and the CBS Morning News and Sunday Morning programs during his tenure and for his quest to shape broadcast journalism integrity in the face of the industry's own tendency to emphasize entertainment content, and in the face of pushback from the Nixon administration regarding unfavorable reporting on the conduct of the US Department of Defense during the Vietnam War era.

Upon leaving the Navy, he joined the Manhattan law firm of Rosenman, Goldmark, Colin & Kaye and worked on behalf of the Columbia Broadcasting System as his client.

Although CBS lost the suit, he impressed the network's president, Frank Stanton, who influenced him to pursue broadcast journalism.

[5] He broadcast the documentary "The Selling of the Pentagon," which "examined the military's manipulation of public opinion and the news media, including CBS".

[1] The House Commerce Committee subpoenaed Stanton, regarding this program, ordering him to provide copies of the outtakes and scripts from the documentary.

Stanton refused, risking contempt of Congress charges, claiming a "chilling effect" on broadcast journalism that would result from compliance.

[3] He retained his interest in broadcasting after retirement when he was appointed president and chief executive officer of the National News Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening press freedom and advancement of the fairness and accuracy of journalism.