Myth in Charles Kuralt's "on the road"

Charles Kuralt was perhaps the most beloved journalist of his day via his "On the Road" television reports for CBS News. This article qualitatively examines those reports in the context of Kuralt's speeches and other writings. It argues that his stories not only drew upon ancient myths such as those of the "Other World" and the "Good Mother" but also uniquely American myths extolling self-reliance and individuals' ability to address social problems. The article examines whether those myths primarily served conservative, system-maintaining ends or presented a model for change in journalism and American society that is still relevant today.