Schorr Brings Perspective to 'Onrushing Events'

SALISBURY, MD---Banishment from the Soviet Union in 1957 for refusing to bow to censorship and a brush with possible imprisonment for refusing to reveal his sources earned Daniel Schorr, who speaks next week, a reputation as a staunch defender of the First Amendment.

“Aspiring journalists on campus can look to him for inspiration,” said Dr. Haven Simmons, professor in the SSU Communication Arts Department. “Schorr is a highly esteemed journalist who practiced at a time when ethics and social responsibility were placed at a premium in the field.”

Schorr’s presentation is Wednesday, March 28, at 7 p.m. in Holloway Hall Auditorium. Admission is free and the public is invited.

“The more people are deluged with information, the more they need help in making sense of it. After 60 years in journalism, I conceive it as my task to bring perspective, especially historical perspective, to onrushing events,” Schorr said.

 The veteran reporter, who was recruited by legendary CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow in 1953, remains active in journalism as a political analyst for National Public Radio.

His career has earned him numerous awards for journalism excellence including three Emmys and decorations from European heads of state. Numerous civil liberties groups also have honored him for his defense of the First Amendment.

Schorr has covered some of the most epic stories in history including the Watergate cover-up, which prompted President Richard Nixon to place Schorr on his “enemies” list and have him investigated by the FBI. Shortly thereafter, he published a copy of Congress’ investigation of impropriates in the CIA and the FBI. Schorr was threatened with jail time for Contempt of Congress because the report was supposed to have been suppressed.

In 1979, he was asked by Ted Turner to help create CNN. Serving in Washington as the news network’s senior correspondent until 1985, Schorr left in a dispute over an effort to limit his editorial independence.

He began his career as the Western European correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor after serving with the United States Army in World War II.

“Schorr’s experience will be an invaluable resource for journalism students at SSU,” Simmons said.

The President’s Office and the Office of Cultural Affairs and Museum Programs sponsor the lecture. For information visit the University’s Web site at www.salisbury.edu or call 410-543-6271.