Edward R. Murrow: The Most Influential Figure In Broadcast Journalism

Edward R. Murrow was the most influential figure in the history of broadcast journalism. He was born in 1908 in North Carolina and died of lung cancer in 1965. Murrow attended Washington State University where he was active in college politics. Even though broadcast journalism was not formed yet, his undergraduate studies such as speech and debates still prepared him for his future career. He began his career in journalism when he joined the Columbia Broadcasting System (later known as CBS). Murrow was the first person to give eye- witness and live reports of WWII, which left a huge impact on radio and television media. The significant broadcast that launched his fame was the bombing of London in the early 1940’s. CBS had sent Murrow overseas to report what was happening. “The sounds of bombs exploding near him were clearly audible” (Bernstein
“He is credited with making broadcasting journalism respectable, courageous, and sincere” (Washington para 1). This shows what kind of person and journalist Edward was; he willingly risked his life so our nation could know what was happening in the world. He strived for honesty in news reporting and had a desire to educate the world of current events. In 1951 Murrow created a documentary news series called See It Now. The show featured many controversial issues in the 50’s but it is widely remembered for criticizing the Red Scare and contributing to the downfall of Senator Joseph McCarthy. McCarthy accused thousands of Americans (whom were interrogated aggressively) of being communists. Majority of the targets were government employees and those in the entertainment industry. It was ruining careers. In 1958 at the Radio-Television News Directors Association Convention, Murrow’s gave a speech to encourage people to care more deeply about the fate of television and