Harold's Old Time Radio: Farewell to Studio 9 (March 7, 2025)
Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio
Introduction
In the poignant episode titled "Farewell to Studio 9," Harold's Old Time Radio commemorates the rich legacy of Studio 9, the historic birthplace of CBS News. This episode serves as an affectionate goodbye to a studio that was the nerve center for groundbreaking broadcasts from the Golden Age of Radio. Through a tapestry of reminiscences, recorded broadcasts, and heartfelt testimonials from legendary broadcasters, listeners are taken on a journey through the pivotal moments that Studio 9 hosted, ultimately celebrating its indelible impact on American journalism.
The Legacy of Studio 9
Robert Trout's Opening Remarks [00:02:00]
Robert Trout sets the stage with a heartfelt introduction, underscoring the unassuming nature of Studio 9:
"As broadcasting facilities go, this one is not remarkable at all... But for those who have worked here, it has a charm all its own. We shall miss it." [00:02:30]
He reminisces about the voices that shaped Studio 9, including Edward R. Murrow, Elmer Davis, William L. Shirer, John Daly, and Alan Jackson. These broadcasters delivered "living history" to American living rooms, navigating through World War II and the subsequent decades.
Iconic Broadcasts from World War II
Edward R. Murrow's London Broadcast [00:05:45]
Listeners are transported to London during the Blitz through Murrow's vivid report:
"In the course of the last 15 or 20 minutes, there's been considerable action up here... There are a great many ghosts around these buildings in London." [00:06:15]
Murrow shares behind-the-scenes challenges, including censorship and the rigorous process of recording nightly reports, revealing the dedication required to bring unbiased news under wartime restrictions.
Eric Severod's Battle Experience [00:15:30]
Eric Severod recounts his harrowing experience during the fall of France:
"The life just simply ran out of the city. It was like a beautiful woman lying in a coma with her lifeblood just draining out through every vein, every street." [00:16:00]
He describes the tension of broadcasting amidst advancing German forces and the profound impact of live reporting on both himself and the listening public.
Elmer Davis on Nazi Commentary [00:22:10]
Elmer Davis provides incisive analysis of Nazi philosophies, highlighting their manipulation of freedom of thought:
"What Rosenberg and the other Nazis call mental confusion... it's part of a well thought out philosophy. What they call mental confusion is what the rest of us call freedom of thought." [00:23:00]
Davis's ability to distill complex political ideologies into clear, concise news was a hallmark of Studio 9's journalistic excellence.
Personal Anecdotes and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
Robert Trout and Edward R. Murrow's First Broadcast [00:30:20]
Trout shares a nostalgic memory of his and Murrow's early days at CBS:
"We had gone to the Christmas party of the publicity department... And later, as I remember, you.... gave me the cut... there were 45 seconds of dead air at the end." [00:31:00]
This anecdote highlights the camaraderie and occasional chaos that characterized the studio's dynamic environment.
H.V. Kaltenborn's Commitment [00:40:50]
At 86, Kaltenborn reflects on the dedication required during the Sudeten crisis of 1938:
"There was no time, day or night, when we couldn't be called upon to analyze a major crisis. And so I did sleep in the studio." [00:41:15]
His unwavering commitment earned him national recognition, illustrating the profound responsibility broadcasters held in informing the public during tumultuous times.
Historic Moments Captured Live
William L. Shirer's Surrender Broadcast [00:55:30]
Shirer narrates the German surrender in Compiegne, offering a meticulous account:
"With this signature, the German people and the German armed forces are, for better or worse, delivered into the victor's hands in this hour." [00:56:10]
The broadcast captures the solemnity of the moment, emphasizing the gravity of reporting live from the very heart of historical events.
John Daly's Pearl Harbor Announcement [01:10:25]
John Daly recounts the harrowing experience of announcing the Pearl Harbor attack:
"This was one of those stories where you believe it and yet you don't want to believe it." [01:11:00]
The episode underscores the emotional toll and the pioneering approach to real-time news coverage that Studio 9 embodied.
Alan Jackson's JFK Assassination Report [01:25:50]
Alan Jackson shares his profound distress during the JFK assassination announcement:
"It was the hardest announcement I ever put on the air... You knew it was true, and yet there was this great reluctance to announce it as a fact." [01:26:30]
This segment highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by broadcasters in delivering breaking news while grappling with personal emotions.
Transition and Farewell
Closing Broadcasts and Reflections [01:40:00]
As CBS News transitioned to its new Manhattan headquarters, the final broadcasts from Studio 9 encapsulated decades of journalistic triumphs:
"How much of the history of three decades went through this studio. So many broadcasts, so little time to remember them." [01:40:45]
Veteran broadcasters like John Daly, H.V. Kaltenborn, and Edward R. Murrow reflect on their time in Studio 9, emphasizing the studio's role in shaping modern news broadcasting.
Final Thoughts from Robert Trout [01:55:30]
Trout muses on the legacy of Studio 9 and its enduring impact:
"Let us salute the words that because time cannot be expanded, were not spoken again on this broadcast today." [01:56:00]
He pays tribute to the engineers, correspondents, and the spirit of Studio 9 that made it a cornerstone of American journalism.
Conclusion
"Farewell to Studio 9" is a heartfelt homage to a broadcasting institution that chronicled some of the most significant events of the 20th century. Through vivid recollections and preserved broadcasts, the episode not only honors the journalists who worked tirelessly within its walls but also underscores the vital role radio played in shaping public consciousness. As Studio 9 turns off its last microphone and the lights dim, its legacy remains a testament to the power of live radio in capturing history as it unfolds.
Notable Quotes
-
Robert Trout on Studio's Charm:
"It's not the handsomest radio studio, not the most modern... But for those who have worked here, it has a charm all its own." [00:02:30] -
Edward R. Murrow on Reporting:
"There are a great many ghosts around these buildings in London." [00:06:15] -
Elmer Davis on Freedom of Thought:
"What they call mental confusion is what the rest of us call freedom of thought." [00:23:00] -
H.V. Kaltenborn on Crisis Reporting:
"There was no time, day or night, when we couldn't be called upon to analyze a major crisis." [00:41:15] -
Alan Jackson on JFK Announcement:
"It was the hardest announcement I ever put on the air." [01:26:30]
Production Credits
- Produced for CBS News by: Al Snyder
- Special Reporter: Steve Rowan
- Audio Engineers: Mort Goldberg and Mike Truskas
- Research: Jerry Morgan
- Executive Producer: Lee Hanna
- Narration: George Bryan, CBS Radio Network
“Farewell to Studio 9” stands as a timeless tribute to the golden era of radio broadcasting, immortalizing the voices and stories that once filled the airwaves and the hearts of listeners across the nation.