Remembering Daniel Schorr: Journalist Who Challenged Power

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Daniel Schorr (1916-2010, age 93). An Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist for CBS-TV and National Public Radio. He graduated from the City College of New York (CUNY) in 1939. Schorr was known for his impactful journalism and commitment to truth, which aligns with the principles of global citizenship, such as valuing differences and contributing to global solutions. His work often highlighted issues of social justice, making him a figure who uplifted humanity through his reporting.

Born in New York City of Russian Jewish parents, he died almost a century later in Washington, D.C.

New York, N.Y. — Daniel Schorr, the veteran Washington journalist and longtime senior news analyst for NPR, passed away at the age of 93. Schorr was a formidable figure in journalism, known for breaking major stories both domestically and internationally during the Cold War and Watergate. He once described himself as a “living history book,” and indeed, his career spanned some of the most pivotal moments in modern history.

Schorr’s journalism was deeply informed by his experiences and the perspective gained from decades of covering history as it unfolded. He had a unique ability to bring context to contemporary news, comparing presidents from Eisenhower onward with a depth that few could match. This historical insight was a cornerstone of his broadcasting, adding a layer of analysis that made his commentary essential listening.

His career as a foreign correspondent began in 1946, after serving in U.S. Army intelligence during World War II. Schorr reported from Western Europe during the postwar reconstruction, witnessing the implementation of the Marshall Plan and the creation of NATO. His work with CBS News, starting in 1953, included reopening the network’s Moscow bureau and securing an exclusive interview with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev—a first in American broadcasting.

Schorr’s commitment to investigative journalism was perhaps most evident during the Watergate scandal. He was shocked to find his name on President Nixon’s infamous Enemies List, a badge of honor that underscored his impact as a journalist. Schorr’s reporting during this period earned him Emmys three years in a row and a Peabody Award for his uncompromising integrity.

Schorr was no stranger to controversy. His reporting on CIA assassinations and the leak of the Pike Committee report on illegal CIA and FBI activities put him at odds with powerful institutions. Yet, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the First Amendment, even at the risk of his career. Schorr resigned from CBS in 1976 after being taken off the air, but he continued to challenge government narratives and provide incisive commentary for CNN and later NPR.

Daniel Schorr’s legacy is one of relentless pursuit of the truth, often at great personal cost. He was a journalist who never shied away from challenging those in power, and his contributions to journalism have left an indelible mark on the profession. Schorr’s ability to dig deep and present facts with clarity and context made him a trusted voice in a world where such voices are increasingly rare. His passing is not just the loss of a journalist, but the loss of a critical witness to history.

Remembering Daniel Schorr: Journalist Who Challenged Power (Aug. 13, 2011)