http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/24/murrow/main4041673.shtml(CBS) Forty-three years after Edward R. Murrow's death, there is still a plaque of the legendary newsman in the lobby of the CBS Broadcast Center in New York. Beneath his earnest stare and trademark cigarette is an inscription: "His imprint on broadcasting will be felt for all time to come."
Today, Murrow would have celebrated his 100th birthday. The correspondent's storied career still evokes some of the most unforgettable moments in American journalism. From heroically chronicling the reality of World War II to fearlessly exposing Sen. Joseph McCarthy, Murrow reinvented the scope and power of broadcast reporting.
CBS-TV Newscaster Douglas Edwards, left, News Anchor Walter Cronkite, center, and Edward R. Murrow (CBS)
Starting his career at CBS in 1935, Murrow emerged as a seminal radio voice in the early days of the war. In 1938, he reported on the growing tensions in Europe (listen) on World News Roundup, the first modern newscast. Eventually, millions of Americans would listen to Murrow's radio dispatches from London, including a report on the Allies' invasion of Normandy (listen) to liberate Europe from the Nazis. Earlier this month, his war correspondent uniform was put on display at the newly opened Newseum in Washington, D.C.
By the 1950s, Murrow established himself as the most distinguished and respected figure in television journalism. His show "See It Now" never shied away from controversial issues. Most notably, Murrow's broadcast launched an attack on Sen. Joseph McCarthy's anti-communism crusade - reporting that ultimately toppled the senator's political career. In 2005, the film "Good Night, and Good Luck" brought the famous episode - and the newsman - back in the spotlight.
As the clips below illustrate, Murrow created new standards of integrity and bravery in broadcast reporting. Though he died in 1965, his legacy remains as strong as ever. As David Halberstam wrote in his 2000 book "The Powers That Be," Murrow was "one of those rare legendary figures who was as good as his myth."
Videos and more at link.
Video Library
Murrow: See It Now
Look back at some classic moments in the career of groundbreaking television reporter Edward R. Murrow.
Edward R. Murrow
Photo Essay
Edward R. Murrow
A look back at the career of the legendary newsman
Stories
* Brits Honor Edward R. Murrow