Dean,+Morton

Biographical Information:
Dates: 1935-  Dates in Ridgefield: current resident

 television and radio journalist, author, correspondent, anchorman

 He's standing in front of a live camera in Belgrade, describing the missiles that exploded in the background. It’s a frightening scene, but one not unusual for Morton Dean, a veteran of more than 40 years in radio and television journalism, often covering combat. It’s a far cry from the quiet life of his hometown of Ridgefield, where Mr. Dean can be seen jogging along Main Street. A native of Fall River, Mass., Mr. Dean graduated from Emerson College in Boston in 1957, and began reporting news for radio stations, but by 1967, had joined CBS News. After 20 years as a correspondent and anchorman for CBS, he joined ABC. Over his career Mr. Dean has covered wars, the civil rights struggle, every election from Nixon to Clinton, space missions, riots, and legislative battles. He’s reported on combat in Vietnam, the Middle East, Grenada, Dominican Republic, Bosnia, Kosovo, and elsewhere. He was the first TV correspondent in Kuwait City after the Iraqi invasion. His datelines have included Moscow, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Baghdad, Jordan, Lima, Havana, Bolivia, El Salvador, and, of course, Vietnam. "Open a world map, throw a dart, and he’s been there," said one writer. His honors include an Emmy, an Overseas Press Club Award, and a UPI Golden Mike Award. A collection of his essays has been published as //Hello World!//. The journalist is also author of another book that has nothing to do with his news reporting; //The Return to Glory Days// is a guide to diagnosing and preventing sports injuries for people over 30. Mr. Dean is also a frequent speaker at universities and conventions. And you might even find him having a bit of fun at the circus. The holder of an honorary degree from the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Clown College, Mr. Dean performs occasionally as a Ringling clown. "It's my Walter Mitty side," he told an interviewer.

//Hello World! //(Co-Author) //,// 1978 //The Return to Glory Days, //1997 –Source: Notable Ridgefielders–Jack Sanders
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