Susan Stamberg, Pioneering NPR Anchor and Journalist, Dies at 87

Strategic Insights -

Susan Stamberg, the "founding mother" of NPR who became the first female anchor of a national nightly news program in the United States, died on October 16, at the age of 87. Stamberg, a legendary journalist and broadcaster, was known for her distinctive New York accent and her ability to connect with her interview subjects in a way that made listeners feel like they were "over the back fence" with a friend. With over 50,000 interviews to her credit, Stamberg's work spanned the lives of artists, activists, and cultural luminaries, including Rosa Parks, Fred Rogers, Joan Didion, and pianist Dave Brubeck.

Key Takeaways:

  • Stamberg joined NPR in 1971, just as the network was going on the air, and was tasked with cutting audiotape with a razor blade in her first job.
  • She quickly rose to become a producer and anchor, serving as host of NPR's flagship news program, "All Things Considered," from 1972 to 1986.
  • Stamberg earned a reputation for following her own curiosities and interests, turning her attention to topics such as French impressionist painting, foreign affairs, and even candy.
  • In 1979, she and science correspondent Ira Flatow investigated what happened when a person bites into a Wint-O-Green Life Saver in the dark, resulting in a momentary green spark.
  • Stamberg was part of a small group of women who helped shape the sound of NPR, including Nina Totenberg, Linda Wertheimer, and Cokie Roberts.
  • She received critical early support from programming director Bill Siemering, who helped launch "All Things Considered" and tapped her to be an anchor.
  • Stamberg later learned that station managers called NPR to object to the idea of a woman anchoring a national news program, but Siemering kept the criticism to himself.
  • She served as a mentor and role model for other women in broadcasting, teaching Nina Totenberg how to be a radio reporter and forming an "old girls' network" at NPR to bring in more female journalists.

Statistics:

  • Stamberg conducted over 50,000 interviews throughout her career, offering listeners a window into the lives of artists, activists, and cultural luminaries.
  • She served as the host of NPR's flagship news program, "All Things Considered," for 14 years, from 1972 to 1986.
  • Stamberg received critical acclaim for her work, including being inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1996.

Sources:

  • NPR (no date)
  • Variety (2020)
  • The Washington Post (no date)
  • The High School of Music & Art (no date)
  • Barnard College (no date)
  • Daedalus (no date)
  • Voice of America (no date)
  • WAMU-FM (no date)
  • Radio Hall of Fame (no date)