Radio Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Edwards, host of National Public Radio's Morning Edition from 1979 to 2004, will discuss his latest book, "Edward R. Murrow and the Birth of Broadcast Journalism," during a presentation at 7:30 p.m., tonight in McCrary Theatre. Edwards will also hold a question-and-answer session at 4:15 p.m. in Whitley Auditorium...
Edwards will draw from his recently published biography of Murrow, bringing to life the major stories the charismatic journalist covered during his career-the Blitz, bombing raids over Berlin, the liberation of Buchenwald and red-baiting by Senator Joe McCarthy.
Edwards has interviewed more than 20,000 newsmakers during a career that has spanned more than 30 years. In 1979, NPR launched Morning Edition, a morning companion show in the style of All Things Considered. Edwards was asked to host the show for the first 30 days until a permanent host could be found. Instead, he ended up hosting the show for nearly 25 years.
Edwards won two Gabriel Awards from the National Catholic Association of Broadcasters, in addition to the Alfred I. du Pont-Columbia University Award in 1995 and a Peabody Award in 1999.
Edwards currently hosts The Bob Edwards Show on XM Satellite Radio.
Edwards worked with Armed Forces Radio and Television in Korea early in his career. He worked for WTOP in Washington before joining National Public Radio in 1974. Later that year, Edwards was asked to join Susan Stamberg as co-host of the new NPR news program, All Things Considered.
Before his evening speech, Edwards will hold a question-and-answer session with students, faculty and staff at 4:15 p.m. in Whitley Auditorium.
Tickets for Edwards’ speech are $12 or free for those with valid Elon identification. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Center for the Arts box office at (336) 278-5610. The box office is open from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.