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Schorr joined NPR as senior news analyst after being let go by CNN in 1985. Schorr reported from Europe after World War II for the Christian Science Monitor and the New York Times, then joined CBS News under Edward R. Murrow in 1953. He turned up on president Richard Nixon's media enemies list in the Watergate era, and resigned from CBS in 1976 after being taken off the air over the controversy around him leaking a Congressional report on illegal CIA and FBI spying and refusing to identify sources. Schorr died today in a Washington hospital, NPR's story says.
Memo from NPR chief Vivian Schiller announcing his death to the staff is after the jump: "It’s impossible to overestimate Dan’s impact on journalism." Click below to read the whole thing.
* Program note: KCRW will air a one-hour special on Schorr tonight at 6 p.m.
All –I have very sad news to share. We’ve just learned that Dan Schorr died peacefully this morning surrounded by family, at the age of 93. His family has asked us to share this news with the extended NPR community.
It’s impossible to overestimate Dan’s impact on journalism – from his early days working with Edward R. Murrow, to the founding of CNN, to the last 25 years as NPR’s news analyst, a familiar and beloved voice to millions of listeners. Every one of us who happened to see Dan coming in to work -- walking a little more slowly with time but with a razor-sharp wit and warmth that never dimmed – learned a lesson in the dedication, determination, and integrity that it takes to be the best. He was.
NPR will air an obituary, and you’ll soon find tributes, Dan’s archived commentaries, and a retrospective on NPR.org. Additionally, we’re preparing a one-hour special about Dan to make available to all stations. Joyce MacDonald and her staff will be in touch with stations as soon as possible with those details. We’ll share news of a possible memorial service once we know more.
Please join me in remembering this great man.
- Vivian