A broadcasting legend has fallen: Susan Stamberg, the groundbreaking voice that shattered radio's glass ceiling, has passed away at 87. Her impact on NPR and the world of journalism is immeasurable. She wasn't just a broadcaster; she was a pioneer, a 'founding mother' who helped shape the sound of modern radio.
Stamberg, as reported by NPR, died on Thursday. At this time, the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Joining NPR in its nascent stages in the early 1970s, Stamberg played a pivotal role in transforming it from a fledgling network into a national institution. Over her illustrious career, she conducted countless interviews, engaging with a diverse range of individuals – from influential politicians and celebrated artists to unsung heroes like White House chefs and behind-the-scenes figures in Hollywood. She showed that everyone has a story worth telling.
In a revealing oral history interview with Oregon's KLCC in January, Stamberg recounted the unique challenges she faced as she stepped into the role of host for "All Things Considered" in 1972. "The only ones on were men, and the only thing I knew to do was imitate them," she explained, describing how she initially lowered her voice to project authority. But here's where it gets controversial... Bill Siemering, the program manager, encouraged her to embrace her authentic self.
"And that was new too in its day, because everybody else, the women, were trained actors, and so they came with very careful accents and very careful delivery. They weren’t relaxed and natural," she continued. "So we made a new sound with radio as well, with NPR.” It's hard to imagine now, but at that time, the idea of a woman simply being herself on the radio was revolutionary! This marked a significant shift away from the polished, often artificial, delivery styles that had previously dominated the airwaves. Stamberg's natural, conversational approach paved the way for a new generation of female broadcasters.
NPR's obituary highlighted a key aspect of Stamberg's appeal, quoting her colleague Jack Mitchell, who noted her "obvious New York accent." And this is the part most people miss... While some might have seen it as a liability, Stamberg embraced her accent, making her sound even more relatable and authentic to her audience.
At "All Things Considered," Stamberg and her team faced a constant challenge: producing a 90-minute program with a mere five reporters. Talk about being resourceful!
She proudly coined the term "founding mother" to acknowledge the contributions of herself and three other influential women – Cokie Roberts, Nina Totenberg, and Linda Wertheimer – in shaping NPR's identity. "I got tired of hearing about Founding Fathers, and I knew we were not that, so we were obviously Founding Mothers, and I was going to put that on the map," she declared. Do you think this term is appropriate, or should a different term be used to describe the contributions of women in founding organizations? This is something that could spark differing opinions.
After a remarkable 14-year run as host of "All Things Considered," Stamberg transitioned to "Weekend Edition Sunday," where she launched the popular Sunday puzzle segment with Will Shortz.
Shortz, who remains the program's puzzle master and serves as the crossword editor of The New York Times, explained that Stamberg envisioned the show as the radio equivalent of a Sunday newspaper, offering a diverse mix of news, culture, sports, and, of course, a brain-teasing puzzle. It was a brilliant way to engage listeners and add a unique element to the program.
Later in her career, Stamberg became a cultural correspondent for "Morning Edition" and "Weekend Edition Saturday," continuing to share her insights and perspectives with NPR audiences. She officially retired in September, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy.
In a noteworthy event in 1979, Stamberg hosted a two-hour radio call-in program with then-President Jimmy Carter, broadcasting live from the Oval Office. She skillfully managed the flow of listeners' questions, which were not pre-screened, marking a bold step in direct communication between the President and the public. This was only the second time that Carter had participated in a call-in program, following his first appearance with Walter Cronkite.
Stamberg's contributions to radio have been widely recognized. She was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, which lauded her "conversational style, intelligence, and knack for finding an interesting story." Her impressive list of interviewees included luminaries such as Nancy Reagan, Annie Leibovitz, Rosa Parks, and James Baldwin, among countless others.
In 2020, she received a well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying her status as a broadcasting icon.
Born Susan Levitt in Newark, New Jersey, in 1938, Stamberg spent her formative years in Manhattan. She met her husband, Louis Stamberg, while working in Cambridge, Massachusetts, beginning a life partnership that would undoubtedly shape her career.
She is survived by her son, Josh Stamberg, and her granddaughters, Vivian and Lena. Her voice may be silent, but her influence on broadcasting, especially for women in media, will continue to resonate for generations to come. What are your favorite memories of Susan Stamberg and her contributions to NPR? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below.
