MY REAR VIEW MIRROR
February 19.1936
Everything, of course was radio, news reels and newspapers when I wrote a page or so for this file in 1936.
"I have always enjoyed listening to the varied opinions and sometimes strange interpolations of the various radio new commentators. Enjoyment and education can be combined in those fifteen minute sessions, and the best among them for me is Lowell Thomas. Others I listen to quite regularly are Boake Carter and H.V. Kaltenborne. For sports related news Ted Husing is the one I like best and when it comes to globe-trotting and adventure Floyd Gibbons is the leader beyond any doubt. He might turn up anywhere on the dial from anywhere in the world and it wouldn't be a surprise.”
“I prefer Lowell Thomas to the Philadelphia newscaster. I think, because his style of delivery is less editorial and critical. is less editorial and critical. Thomas fulfills the concept of being a news reporter for me. He does not try to tell me what he thinks it might mean. He is opposed to using color when black and white will give the picture accurately. I, still, however, respect the opinions Carter voices before I make up my own mind about how the news affect me.”
At this point in the 1936 essay, having outlined the general feeling concerning my two favorites favorites, I wondered what it took to become a good radio reporter, news reader, or commentator.I used them as guides ,examples for study for study and possible emulation.
“What type of training and experiences led to their successful careers? Lowell Thomas, to me , is a writer, lecturer, and foreign correspondent who, for many years, traveled to develop a wide view of the the world as it actually is. He can see national policies of many nations and relate it all to our lives confidently and with accuracy. Mr. Carter also, has a newspaper background. I find his experience was in the court room and the police environment. His associations led him to be aware of things which might be be wrong in our society rather than what is right with the world. Carter, to me, is a home country speaker speaker and news person , while Thomas seems to incorporate a view with those of the entire world.”
Each was worthy of hearing and heeding.
So, since 1936 things have changed quite a bit on the radio scene. Radio is entirely different It has had its “fifteen minutes” of fame and is now on the wane in many ways. Some would say: “gone.” The radio voice is less influential than it used to be. Local announcers do the “chore” of news when necessary - maybe for three or four minutes on-the-hour - depending on what the competition might be running a that time.
Today for our Thomas and Carter sound-likes we turn to TV and we pick and choose our favorite by a whole set of new criteria.
A.L.M. June 19, 2003 from MS- DT107, Feb 11,1936 [c517wds]
