Pioneering Broadcast Journalist
1908 - 1965
Edward R. Murrow was a seminal figure in journalism, whose voice became synonymous with credible and courageous reporting. Born Egbert Roscoe Murrow on April 25, 1908, in North Carolina, he rose to prominence as a radio correspondent during World War II. His dramatic broadcasts from wartime London, beginning with the now-famous opening 'This...is London,' brought the realities of the war into American homes, fostering a connection that spanned oceans. Murrow's work during this period set the standard for broadcast journalism, with his clear, concise delivery and unwavering commitment to truth. After the war, Murrow transitioned to television, where he continued to influence public opinion and set journalistic standards. His program 'See It Now' famously challenged Senator Joseph McCarthy and his anti-communist hearings, playing a crucial role in curbing the era's rampant paranoia. Murrow's fearless journalism earned him numerous accolades, and his legacy endures as a beacon of integrity in media. He died on April 27, 1965, but his contributions continue to inspire journalists worldwide.
We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.
Edward R. Murrow
No one can terrorize a whole nation, unless we are all his accomplices.
Edward R. Murrow
To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; credible we must be truthful.
Edward R. Murrow
The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer.
Edward R. Murrow