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We Cannot Escape Responsibility: The Broadcasts of Edward R. Murrow During the McCarthy Era of the 1950s

Landmark College will present a talk by Casey Murrow, son of pioneering broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow, titled “We Cannot Escape Responsibility: The Broadcasts of Edward R. Murrow During the McCarthy Era of the 1950s,” at 7 p.m. Monday, September 18, in the Brooks M. O’Brien Auditorium, East Academic Building.

Murrow was a renowned radio and television broadcaster who hosted the popular CBS news program, “See It Now.” In 1953, Murrow began a series of broadcasts confronting Senator Joseph McCarthy at the height of the “Red Scare” during which McCarthy made broad claims of treason against American citizens he accused of sympathizing with communism and the Soviet Union. McCarthy had been challenging the government and destroying careers, using Senate hearings and often fabricated information.

Murrow’s criticism of McCarthy’s tactics was a turning point in television journalism and was the subject of director George Clooney’s 2005 film, “Good Night, and Good Luck,” which featured an Oscar-nominated performance by David Strathairn as Murrow.

In his Landmark College presentation, Casey Murrow will discuss what his father faced in those troubled times and some reactions to his work. Casey will also share historical sources, short video clips from that era, and a few scenes from Clooney’s film.

Casey Murrow has devoted his career to public education as a teacher and a leader in programs that support educators in Vermont and nationally.

This talk is part of Landmark College’s Academic Speaker Series, and it is free and open to the public. For more information about this and other upcoming Speaker Series talks, please contact Adrienne Major at amajor@landmark.edu.