Bill Plante, a distinguished retired journalist and television correspondent for CBS News, was born on January 14, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Regis L. Plante, longtime residents of Park Ridge, Illinois. His father worked as a field engineer for the Hollub Heating Company based in Chicago.
Plante earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities from Loyola University Chicago in 1959. Encouraged by his parents to continue his education, he attended Columbia University in 1963, where he studied political science. This academic path would deepen his interest in current affairs and help shape his future career in journalism.
Bill Plante began his long and respected journalism career when he joined CBS News in 1964. One of his earliest assignments was as a national correspondent covering pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement, including the historic 1965 voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
Plante’s reporting extended internationally, with multiple assignments covering the Vietnam War. His first tour in South Vietnam was in 1964, and he returned several times, including coverage of the Fall of Saigon in 1975, which marked the end of the war. His work offered viewers firsthand insight into both the grim realities of war and historic turning points.
He held great admiration for legendary journalists like Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Plante commented on the evolution of journalism: “Murrow entered Buchenwald with Patton’s Third Army in April 1945. But he didn’t report on what he had seen for three days, because, he said, he needed time to ‘acquire detachment.’ I shudder to think what his reaction would be to today’s instant everything.” He further reflected on the transition from two manageable news cycles a day to a nonstop news cycle that often compromises accuracy.
From 1988 to 1995, Plante served as the anchor of CBS Sunday Night News. His final and perhaps most prominent role was as Senior White House Correspondent for CBS News, a position in which he frequently appeared on CBS This Morning and CBS Evening News. He retired in November 2016 after over five decades of service in journalism.
Bill Plante is married to Robin Smith, an accomplished television producer. Before her marriage to Plante, Robin worked for NBC News and later became an award-winning independent documentary producer. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Ohio University and a Master's degree in Public Communications from Boston University. Her academic dedication paralleled Plante’s own scholarly background, contributing to a lasting and supportive marriage.
Plante was previously married to Barbara Barnes Orteig. He is the father of six sons, one of whom, Chris Plante, is his stepson. Chris is a well-known radio show host, recognized for his commentary and broadcasting work.
Throughout his demanding career in journalism, Bill Plante managed to remain in reasonably good health, despite the high-pressure environment. There have been no public reports of any serious medical conditions, including cancer.
Bill Plante made it a point to keep his personal and financial affairs private. As a result, his exact net worth is not publicly available. However, given his long and illustrious career with CBS News and his various high-profile assignments, he is widely regarded as one of the most respected journalists of his era.
| Children: | Micheal Plante, Dan Plante |
| Date of Birth: | January 14, 1938 |
| Net Worth: | N/A |
| Birth Place: | Chicago, IL |
| Spouse: | Robin Smith (m. 1987), Barbara Barnes Ortieg (m. ?–1969) |
| Education: | Loyola University Chicago, Loyola Academy, Wilmette, Columbia University |
