Edward R. Murrow

About

Edward R. Murrow, born as Egbert Roscoe Murrow on April 25, 1908, was an iconic American broadcast journalist and war correspondent. He gained recognition for his series of live radio news broadcasts during World War II, which were aired from war zones including London and Vienna. Murrow spent more than two decades with CBS establishing standards for journalistic integrity. His insightful reports not only informed Americans about the war but also shaped public opinion. Besides radio, Murrow became instrumental in shaping television news broadcasting, most notably with his show "See It Now" where he courageously exposed Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-Communist crusade. He passed away on April 27, 1965, but his legacy in broadcast journalism remains influential to this day.

Associated With

Edward R. Murrow, one of the most influential broadcast journalists of the 20th Century, had strong affiliations with many major figures in the journalism industry. He was a central figure in CBS News during his time and helped cultivate the careers of many notable personalities like Walter Cronkite and Eric Sevareid. These relationships were largely professional based on respect and shared journalistic values rather than personal or romantic. Murrow’s collaboration with Fred W. Friendly in producing the groundbreaking news show "See It Now" stands out. His professional conflicts with CBS executive William S. Paley were well-documented, highlighting Murrow's unwavering commitment to free and honest reporting. He wasn't known for any significant acting roles or high-profile relationships beyond his marriage to Janet Huntington Brewster.

Career Highlights

• 1935: Edward R. Murrow begins his career at CBS as a DirectorThe creative leader responsible for overseeing the artistic aspects of a film, television production... of Talks. He pioneers radio broadcasts and news programs.
• 1937-1938: Murrow reports on the Anschluss, Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria, presenting the events to the American public through vivid radio descriptions.
• 1939-1945: During World WarA genre concerned with warfare, typically about naval, air, or land battles, with strong themes of s... II, Murrow gains fame for his series of live radio news broadcasts from Europe for the CBS network, especially his reports during the Blitz when London was under continuous aerial bombing by the German Luftwaffe.
• 1947: Murrow hosts and produces Hear it Now, a radio docudramaA genre of radio and television programming, feature film, and staged theatre, which features dramat... series, capturing the attention of the American public.
• 1951: Transitions to television with his show "See It Now", featuring in-depth investigative journalism and interviews.
• 1954: Murrow confronts Senator Joseph McCarthy on "See it Now", famously criticizing McCarthy's anti-communist pursuits and playing a role in his eventual censure.
• 1955: He wins the Peabody Award, recognizing excellence in broadcasting, for his work on "See It Now".
• 1956: Multiple awards follow, including another Peabody Award and the President’s Award from the Radio-Television News Directors Association.
• 1961: Edward R. Murrow elected Director of United States Information Agency by President John F. Kennedy.
• 1964: Receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian award.
• 1965: Murrow passed away. In 1966, the Peabody Awards established the career achievement award in his honor, named the "Edward R. Murrow Award". Also, the Radio and Television News Directors Association established the Edward R. Murrow Awards to honor excellence in electronic journalism.

Notable Awards

• Edward R. Murrow received numerous awards throughout his career for his contributions to journalism and broadcasting. Here are several notable ones:
• Peabody Award: Murrow won this prestigious award in 1941 for outstanding achievement in radio broadcasting. He won it again in 1956 for his television work.
• Emmy Award: He received the Academy Television Arts & Science award in 1955 for 'Personality'.
• Presidential Medal of Freedom: In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded Murrow with the highest civilian award for his significant contributions to journalism.
• Polk Award: In 1959, the George Polk AwardsGiven annually by Long Island University to honor special achievements in journalism, with particula... recognized Murrow for his significant contributions in television reporting.
• Paul White Award: Murrow received this award from the Radio Television Digital News Association in 1956.
• The Edward R. Murrow Awards, named after Murrow, were established in his honor by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) to recognize outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism. Murrow himself, however, could not win this award as it was named in his honor after his death.
• Honorary doctorate degree from Tufts University in 1959.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Edward R. Murrow Movie/TV Show?

Edward R. Murrow is most renowned for his work in broadcast journalism, particularly with CBS News. However, his most popular association with movies/TV shows is likely through the critically acclaimed film "Good Night, and Good Luck" (2005), where he is portrayed by David Strathairn. The film, which depicted Murrow's stand against Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist tactics, was nominated for six Oscars, highlighting its popularity and critical acclaim. Please note that Edward R. Murrow himself didn't act in movies or TV shows; his influence is primarily rooted in the realm of broadcast journalism.

How Did Edward R. Murrow Get Famous?

Edward R. Murrow gained fame as a broadcast journalist and war correspondent during World War II. He was known for his series of radio broadcasts for CBS from the war fields of Europe, particularly his live reports during the London Blitz, which are credited with changing broadcast journalism by incorporating on-location reporting and forming deep connections with his audience. His ability to paint vivid images through his words, bold reporting style, and his emphasis on journalistic integrity made him one of the most influential journalists of his time. Post-war, his investigative journalism, especially his exposures of Senator McCarthy, further solidified his position as a leading figure in broadcast news.