Edward Murrow, Pioneer Broadcaster for Radio and Television (1908-1965)

Edward R. Murrow’s independence and incisive reporting heightened the journalistic stature on radio and television. The importance of radio journalism, live coverage of fast-moving, earthshaking events, gained recognition with the events leading up to World War II. Mr. Murrow representing CBS led a team of young, resourceful reporters who brought a sense of immediacy to the European crisies associated with Nazi Germany’s aggression.

Mr. Murrow achieved international distinction in broadcasting, first as a radio correspondent reporting from London in World War II and then as a pioneer television journalist opening the home screen to the stimulus of controversy. No other figure in broadcast news left such a strong stamp on both media.

Mr. Murrow sought not only to convey the facts, particularly in war-torn Britain, but also the mood and feelings of the war. His calm, terse, highly descriptive radio style dramatized the war for his American audience. He was famous for his introductions “This is London. “ “This is the News.” His voice always conveyed the impression that he knew the worst. He would end his programs with a crisp “Good night, and good luck.”

Darkly handsome, Mr. Murrow, his brow knotted and two fingers holding his ever-present cigarette sat in the radio or television studio trying to bring sense to a mystified nation of the news.

In 1953-1954, Mr. Murrow took on Joseph McCarthy, who while conducting his crusade against alleged Communist influence used demagogic tactics to destroy his opponents. On March 9, 1954, Mr. Murrow with the support of the President of C.B.S. Fred Friendly used film clips to show the negative character of Mr. McCarthy and exposed his questionable tactics.

In 1961, Mr. Murrow was appointed by President Kennedy to be director of the United States Information Agency. He held that office until the onset of his of lung cancer forced him to resign. Mr. Murrow did not shy away from controversy. Long before it was popular he highlighted the plight of Blacks and immigrant farm workers.

At his death, the British Prime Minister Harold Wilson paid tribute to Mr. Murrow. He stated, “We have reason to be grateful to him for his presentation of the nation’s story to those who found it difficult to understand that a tiny island could be so important to the future history of the world.”