During some of this century's defining moments -- World War II, the first lunar landing, Watergate -- an inquiring nation turned to Walter Cronkite for the truth. Through it all, Cronkite helped set the standards of good broadcast journalism. But those standards may be weakening, according to the veteran CBS anchor.

Cronkite will be on campus Tuesday, Nov. 12, to discuss how broadcast journalism can be improved and how viewers can enhance their understanding of the news.

The lecture is the first in a series of talks honoring San Francisco

Chronicle columnist Herb Caen, who has also reported his share of 20th century events.

The series, "Communicating in America," is sponsored by the Graduate School of Journalism and will feature experts from many fields, including the arts, sciences, politics and the media.

"A Conversation With Walter Cronkite" begins at 8 p.m. in Zellerbach Hall and will be hosted by Orville Schell, the new dean of the Graduate School of Journalism.

Admission is $5 for the public and $3 for Berkeley students. Tickets are available through Cal Performances at 642-9988.

The 80-year-old Cronkite will publish his autobiography, "A Reporter's Life," later this year. He has been in journalism since high school and worked for the Houston Post and United Press International before signing on with CBS in 1950.