When Walter Cronkite left the “CBS Evening News” in 1981, the media made a big deal. But Cronkite says NBC’s Tom Brokaw has received the bigger sendoff before stepping down tonight.

“That’s perfectly legitimate,” Cronkite says. “Brokaw has been there somewhat longer. And I think that his leadership over there, his popularity, his demeanor entitle him to the kind of coverage he’s getting.”

Cronkite had logged 19 years as anchor of the “CBS Evening News.” Viewers tuned in March 6, 1981, to hear farewell from a journalist dubbed, by one poll, as the most trusted man in America.

In the years since Dan Rather succeeded him, Cronkite, 88, has had a limited presence on CBS. He has been host to specials, worked on documentaries and written his autobiography and a newspaper column.

He says he has enjoyed retirement, but every time the fire bell rings, I want to be on the truck. That will probably never go away.”

Cronkite praises Brokaw, Rather and ABC’s Peter Jennings.

“I don’t think an era is over,” Cronkite says. “I don’t think you can say that with Jennings and Rather still in the field. Maybe when both of them depart you can say so.”

Rather, 73, announced last week he’ll bow out in March. Cronkite believes the evening newscast will remain a staple on the networks despite slipping ratings.