Edward R. Murrow Responds to Remarks on Controversial Doc "Harvest of Shame" (1960)
Edward R. Murrow
Washington, DC, May 4, 1961
Edward R. Murrow Responds to Remarks on Controversial Doc "Harvest of Shame" (1960)
TLS
A typed letter from American broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow (1908-1965) as Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA). 1p on government letterhead, measuring 8" x 10.5", Washington, DC, May 4, 1961. Signed at conclusion as "E. R. Murrow" and writing to one William Kaufman, a fan remarking on the international controversy precipitated by his final documentary, "Harvest of Shame". Murrow encloses two newspaper clippings, which highlight the issue of the broadcast being shown in Britain. Exhibits light offset toning and handling creases throughout. Otherwise, very good.
In full:
"Your letter of encouragement is appreciated very much.
You may be interested in the attached remarks I made in answer to a question posed to me during a recent State Department sponsored briefing for radio and TV executives.
I hope I can continue to merit your support."
Together with a carbon copy of Kaufman's letter to Murrow of April 5, reading in part:
"While I am sorry about the problems which have arisen over your documentary, 'Harvest of Shame', I do think it may be possible to turn the furor to our own national advantage.
The very fact that a private citizen, working for a private, profit-making corporation, could conduct an enterprise such as this, designed to expose a shameful condition of life among some of our people - and furthermore could present his findings to the nation over a far reaching and powerful medium of television - should in itself reveal the strength and extent of our personal freedom in this country.
In only a handful of countries in the whole world could this be done without government intervention. If the simple fact that such overt and harsh criticism of ourselves is permitted here can be got across to people all over the world, we shall surely have scored a sound propaganda victory. If the point can be got across that the 'penalty' paid by the man responsible for the show was his appointment by President Kennedy to a high and important position in the government, we should not have to fear its unfavorable impact abroad."
"Harvest of Shame" (1960) originally aired on CBS the day after Thanksgiving on November 25, 1960. For his last documentary, Murrow sought to display the plight of American migrant agricultural workers and their children living in extreme poverty. He soon left the network in early 1961 after being appointed as head of the U.S. Information Agency by John F. Kennedy. This change in position, whose primary goal was to promote a favorable view of the United States abroad, ultimately led to an embarrassing incident in which Murrow asked the BBC not to air "Harvest of Shame" to avoid damaging the European view of America. The BBC refused, having bought the program in good faith, causing criticism of Murrow's actions both at home and abroad.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
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Edward R. Murrow
Washington, DC, May 4, 1961
Edward R. Murrow Responds to Remarks on Controversial Doc "Harvest of Shame" (1960)
TLS
A typed letter from American broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow (1908-1965) as Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA). 1p on government letterhead, measuring 8" x 10.5", Washington, DC, May 4, 1961. Signed at conclusion as "E. R. Murrow" and writing to one William Kaufman, a fan remarking on the international controversy precipitated by his final documentary, "Harvest of Shame". Murrow encloses two newspaper clippings, which highlight the issue of the broadcast being shown in Britain. Exhibits light offset toning and handling creases throughout. Otherwise, very good.
In full:
"Your letter of encouragement is appreciated very much.
You may be interested in the attached remarks I made in answer to a question posed to me during a recent State Department sponsored briefing for radio and TV executives.
I hope I can continue to merit your support."
Together with a carbon copy of Kaufman's letter to Murrow of April 5, reading in part:
"While I am sorry about the problems which have arisen over your documentary, 'Harvest of Shame', I do think it may be possible to turn the furor to our own national advantage.
The very fact that a private citizen, working for a private, profit-making corporation, could conduct an enterprise such as this, designed to expose a shameful condition of life among some of our people - and furthermore could present his findings to the nation over a far reaching and powerful medium of television - should in itself reveal the strength and extent of our personal freedom in this country.
In only a handful of countries in the whole world could this be done without government intervention. If the simple fact that such overt and harsh criticism of ourselves is permitted here can be got across to people all over the world, we shall surely have scored a sound propaganda victory. If the point can be got across that the 'penalty' paid by the man responsible for the show was his appointment by President Kennedy to a high and important position in the government, we should not have to fear its unfavorable impact abroad."
"Harvest of Shame" (1960) originally aired on CBS the day after Thanksgiving on November 25, 1960. For his last documentary, Murrow sought to display the plight of American migrant agricultural workers and their children living in extreme poverty. He soon left the network in early 1961 after being appointed as head of the U.S. Information Agency by John F. Kennedy. This change in position, whose primary goal was to promote a favorable view of the United States abroad, ultimately led to an embarrassing incident in which Murrow asked the BBC not to air "Harvest of Shame" to avoid damaging the European view of America. The BBC refused, having bought the program in good faith, causing criticism of Murrow's actions both at home and abroad.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
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