Edward R. Murrow Analysis

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Edward R. Murrow was a polished journalist whose independence and unique reporting style impacted the radio and television industry alike. From the start of World War II until his death in 1965, Murrow’s universally recognized voice and honest tone surely made a difference in the lives’ of his many listeners.
Instilled from his upbringing in a working class Quaker family, Murry developed a strong belief in the “underdog”, allowing this ideal to shine through in all of his works. Already stationed overseas as a “Director of Talks” for CBS, Murrow saw an opportunity for radio broadcasting to bring World War II action into American homes. In 1937, Murrow was instructed to develop a team of correspondents to cover the war front in Europe. Collectively known as the “Murrow Boys”, the team reported the entirety of World War II covering the front lines with unheralded loyalty, all inspired by Murrow’s fearlessness. Unlike any other broadcaster, Murrow flew in countless bombing missions over Berlin in addition to conveying the horrors of Nazi concentration camps. Murrow’s ability to articulate facts with ultimate accuracy was unparalleled, but it was his ability to communicate emotion and sentiment that made him stand out. Going beyond the surface level, Murrow broadcasted …show more content…

Viewed as a star in the eyes of many, Murrow was asked to host a weekly television show, See It Now, a counterpart to his radio show, Hear it Now. Murrow had developed a strong sense of nationalism as he made an effort to capture stories of ordinary Americans. With this unique formula, Murrow was able to mold the individuals’ stories into influential commentaries on select political issues. Murrow produced a powerful special on Senator Joseph McCarthy, making him out to be a lunatic, exposing his Red Scare tactics. This was a pivotal episode on See It Now that would have a lasting effect on American journalism for years to

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