NPR's all-staff message on the passing of Daniel Schorr this morning:
On Behalf Of NPR Communications [Communications1@npr.org]
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 9:48 AM
To: AREPS; allstaff@npr.org
Subject: [areps] From Vivian Schiller: Dan SchorrAll –
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
what an amazing man he will be missed
“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.”
Of course those left behind will mourn the loss, but I would argue there is nothing sad whatsoever about dying “peacefully… surrounded by family, at the age of 93.”
Yeah…but his voice and intellect–and this is one of the real beauties of radio–were as sharp and clear last year as they were in the 1960’s. That always came through in his broadcasts. In a nation where people are looking for solutions in the intellectual weight lifting abilities of the likes of Sarah Palin, a voice like Schorr’s can only be missed. For my money, he really is up there in the pantheon of journalism, with guys like Murrow…staying relevant to the very end…a guy who was interested in just about everything. I hope I have half his marbles when I’m 93.
John, agreed on all points.