The Political Performers: CBS Broadcasts in the Public Interest »

MICHAEL D. MURRAY is Director of Mass Communications and Acting Chairman of the Department of Communication at the University of Missouri at St. Louis.

Thirty years after his death, Edward R. Murrow is still a cult figure in American broadcast journalism, and his company has achieved the distinction of standard bearer in the field of broadcast news. This examination of key CBS broadcasts and the people behind them that helped to establish the network as the prototype for excellence provides a unique perspective on the early era of broadcasting. Included are interviews with major contributors such as former CBS News presidents Fred W. Friendly and Bill Leonard. Going beyond personalities, the specific focus is on major broadcasts, from the early era up to the present-day 60 Minutes, some of which have been overlooked in spite of their formative role in helping CBS to gain its reputation in the field.

Booknews

Murray (communication, U. of Missouri-St. Louis) explores some key news and public affairs broadcasts and the people behind them, providing a perspective on the early era of broadcasting, and analyzing how these broadcasts altered attitudes and decision-making in their day and sometimes over an extended period of time. Broadcast subjects include civil liberties, the youth movement, and muckraking. Includes b&w photos. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)