Edward R. Murrow – Journalism at Its Best showcases the life and career of eminent journalist and USIA director Edward R. Murrow.

A free and independent media is one of the essential components of a democratic society, and Murrow's radio and TV programs provide excellent examples of how a leading reporter used his journalistic skills in the public's service in times of crisis: e.g., World War II and the McCarthy years.

The publication also discusses Murrow's skill in employing the new media of his day – first radio, then TV – to develop new reporting formats that adhered to the profession's highest principles, as well as his coverage of the savage tactics behind Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-Communist campaign.

“It has always seemed to me the real art in this business is not so much moving information or guidance or policy five or 10,000 miles. That is an electronic problem. The real art is to move it the last three feet in face to face conversation.”
— Edward R. Murrow, ABC TV’s “Issues and Answers,” August 4, 1963

“ We proclaim ourselves — as indeed we are — the defenders of freedom abroad. …But we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.”
— Edward R. Murrow, CBS TV’s “See It Now,” March 9, 1954

“This is London.”
— Edward R. Murrow, beginning in 1940, the opening of CBS radio broadcasts from London
“Good night, and good luck.”
— Edward R. Murrow, beginning in 1940, the closing of CBS radio broadcasts from London

"Just once in a while let us exalt the importance of ideas and information.”
— Edward R. Murrow, speech to the Radio and Television News Directors Association, October 15, 1958

“We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law.
— Edward R. Murrow, CBS TV’s “See It Now” program on Senator Joe McCarthy, March 9, 1954

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Edward R. Murrow: A Life .............................................................1
Freedom’s Watchdog: The Press in the U.S.....................................4
Murrow: Founder of American Broadcast Journalism....................7
Harnessing “New” Media for Quality Reporting .........................10
“See It Now”: Murrow vs. McCarthy ...........................................13
Murrow’s Legacy ..........................................................................16
Bibliography..................................................................................17

Edward R. Murrow’s Legacy

Edward R. Murrow's ardent belief in American democracy, his courage and perseverance in searching for and reporting the truth, and his dedication to journalism as an essential tool in the democratic political process still are cherished and nurtured by many institutions. These values are also reflected in awards and programs that honor this great reporter throughout the United States and overseas. The following list is just a sample of Murrow's legacy, and of the esteem that his name still has today among many.

Committee of Concerned Journalists
http://www.journalism.org/who/ccj/default.asp

Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Public Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State/The Fletcher School
http://fletcher.tufts.edu/murrow/index.html

Edward R. Murrow Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Radio, Corporation for Public Broadcasting
http://www.cpb.org/aboutpb/awards/murrow/

Edward R. Murrow Awards, Radio-Television News Directors Association
http://www.rtnda.org/pages/media_items/edward-r.-murrow-awards100.php

Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists, U.S. Department of State
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/63799.htm

The Edward R. Murrow Center of Public Diplomacy, The Fletcher School, Tufts University
http://fletcher.tufts.edu/murrow/index.html

Murrow School of Communication, Washington State University
http://murrow.wsu.edu/influence.html

Reporter's Committee for Freedom of the Press
http://www.rcfp.org/

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