Esteemed CNN correspondent and journalism school dean, Charles Bierbauer, passes away at the age of 83

Charles Bierbauer, a renowned journalist and former CNN correspondent, has died at the age of 83. Bierbauer, who spent four years with ABC News before joining CNN, where he worked for two decades, will be deeply missed.

During his time at CNN, Bierbauer covered the Pentagon, White House, U.S. Supreme Court, and various political stories and presidential campaigns. He was remembered as a "cherished member of the CNN family."

Bierbauer's journalism career began in his native Pennsylvania. He earned degrees in journalism and Russian from Penn State University before launching his career.

One of Bierbauer's most notable achievements was his coverage of Muhammed Ali's 1978 travels in the Soviet Union. While reporting, he was denounced by the Soviet press for "asking impertinent questions." However, this did not deter him, and he continued to ask tough questions throughout his career.

In 1973, Bierbauer won an Overseas Press Club Award for his reporting on the Yom Kippur War. This award recognised his dedication and commitment to journalism.

Bierbauer's career took a turn when he became the first dean of the University of South Carolina's College of Information and Communications. His contributions to the school were significant, specifically the project that modernized the school and moved it to its current location.

Bierbauer launched Cocky's Reading Express, a childhood literacy initiative, and led a multimillion-dollar fundraising and renovation effort for the university. His efforts to support students were evident, as several of them went on to win Pulitzer Prizes.

Tom Reichert, who succeeded Bierbauer as communications dean, recalled his predecessor's "profound impact on the program." Wolf Blitzer, Bierbauer's former CNN colleague, stated that Bierbauer inspired him and helped him throughout his assignments at the Pentagon and the White House.

Bierbauer is survived by his wife Susanne Schafer, a longtime military affairs reporter for the AP and formerly AP's Pentagon correspondent. The couple was married for many years. Bierbauer is also survived by four children, several grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

A network spokesperson recalled Bierbauer as "a tireless reporter and wonderful colleague." Bierbauer died at his home in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, where he had been living in retirement.

Bierbauer's legacy will live on, not just in the journalism industry, but also in the lives of the students he influenced and the initiatives he launched. He will be deeply missed.