I am Dan Rather, former anchor for CBS Evening News and correspondent for 60 Minutes, current anchor of Dan Rather Reports and advisor to #waywire, Inc. AMA

In light of the recent school shootings, what is your professional opinion on the way major news sources (shocker, not just fox does it) tend to glorify violence in the media for ratings while turning around and pointing fingers at everything else (video games, books, movies/tv) and screaming bloody murder?

While you're at it, why are so many journalists insensitive to the tragedies others go through? I realize it's for money, but is it really worth them "...making money on the backs of dead children"? (<quote from TotalBiscuit)

Thanks for your time Dan.

this is a great question...i'm going to answer in video which i'll post very shortly. EDIT: I've posted video which you can watch here

Here is my video response

What was doing heroin like?

Edit: I'm getting down-voted a lot, I assume people dont know that one of the first stories Dan Rather covered was about heroin. He tried the drug for the story.

I did it a long time ago, in the early 1950s, in the police station in Houston, Texas with policemen looking on as I did a radio story about what heroin is and what effects it had. I never touched it again. It might not have been the smartest thing I ever did but I do think it did a public service because it demonstrated to the public what it was in a time when people didn't know. But make no mistake - it's a very dangerous drug.

Were you ever censored by the network from asking certain questions?

Great question - here's my video response

Or answering certain questions?

I answered this question in text below and this video here

What was your favorite interview of all-time?

Tie: Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa

If I scrolled through Dan Rather's iPod, I would find...

a lot of willie nelson, johnny cash, and merle haggard

What is your honest opinion of Fox News?

I respect Roger Ailes who founded Fox News as we know it, although while I respect him I don't always agree with what they do. However, when they're covering news, especially breaking news, I think they're at their best. Although I reserve the right to differ with them in any situation.

Who do you watch for evening news?

I skip around...I watch them all. I'm still loyal to CBS in some ways but I think they all do a pretty good job.

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the short answer is no - freedom requires constant vigilance and one needs to be constantly skeptical about reassurances on freedom. Stay skeptical and ever-vigilant.

Who was the one person during your career you wished you could have interviewed that you never got the chance

any one of the popes of Rome and the recently deceased leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Il

What is your opinion on the "Liberal Media Bias"?

vastly overstated and usually used as part of partisan political propaganda campaigns. It usually reflects the bias of the person making the accusation.

What was it like interviewing Saddam Hussein?

I interviewed him twice - here are some of my thoughts on the first interview

What issue do you think the Media fails to cover the most?

that's a long list...but starting with how the world deals with the hungry, the homeless, the helpless and those who believe they have no hope. Also on the list, the real and present danger of a nuclear or otherwise worldwide catastrophe.

Mr. Rather you compelled me to become a journalist as I grew up watching you and training to a field reporter. What is one skill that you believe a journalist should possess today that still rings true despite the changes within the industry. Its more about ratings, scandal and getcha reporting - what really at the core makes a reporter - A REPORTER? I've seen a lot of sloppy journalism and advent of technology encourages it - what can we do to save it as it transforms in the digital age?

Thanks for your question! Here's my video response

Any advice for maintaining integrity against the pressure of reporting fast and accurately in a world where the 24 cycle, the internet, and sensationalism seem to rule all?

It's not a cure-all, but it starts with knowing who are and what you stand for. If you don't know where you stand, you'll fall for anything and you have to be prepared to take a stand even when the price for it may be high.

Where do you come up with your great folksy sayings? Do you think them up before hand or are the ad libbed?

most of them are ad libbed, coming from growing in Texas and working in the oil fields since I was 14 years old. But sometimes when I hear colorful language I'll jot it down, file it away for maybe some future use.

Hello Mr. Rather - pretty great that you're on Reddit. You were a fixture for generations and a trusted voice for many. I have a few questions if you don't mind:

1. Vietnam. Aside from the Tet offensive, what event do you feel was key to turning public opinion against the war and why? Generally speaking, how would you compare that era to our current conflicts and the role of journalists in reporting the news?

2. If you could change anything (or nothing) about the circumstances of your reporting on G. Bush's service in the Texas ANG, what would it be?

3. Your legacy. What is your single most important contribution to journalism / 4th estate?

Here's my video response to the first part of your first question and I will post responses to others shortly.

Thanks for these video responses Mr. Rather, they do a good job of answering some of the more complex questions.

thanks - posting more videos shortly

What do you do for fun? And how do you compare yourself to other reporters?

I love to fly fish, take long walks with my wife, and read. And to answer your second question, I try not to compare myself with others. I try hard to run my own race and do my own thing.

Hi Dan Rather! I was just wondering what you think about this parody of you that was on Family Guy several years ago?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFZKgzg8Dq8

This is what I think

Will you come out and say that mass media in the United States is more entertainment than actual journalism?

Also, I'd like your opinion on Julian Assange.

thank you for your questions - here is my video response

What do you consider is the most important issue of our time?

thank you for your question. Here is my video response

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Thanks for your question - I hope you enjoy my video response