Susan Stamberg, the trailblazing journalist whose voice became indistinguishable from National Public Radio and American broadcast history, has passed away at 87.
NPR confirmed on Thursday that she had died, closing the curtain on the life of one of public radio’s most powerful voices.
Stamberg was more than a reporter – she was a pioneer. In 1972, she became the United States’ first female anchor of a nightly national news broadcast when she became the host of NPR’s flagship program All Things Considered. Her friendly, questioning voice and interviews conducted in a give-and-take manner helped establish the sound of public radio for 14 years and inspired generations of journalists who came after her.
Katherine Maher, the president and chief executive of NPR, called Stamberg a pillar not just of the institution but of American journalism. “Susan’s voice was not just a pillar of NPR – it was a pillar of American life,” Maher said in a statement to The Washington Post. “She demonstrated that journalism could be both rigorous and intensely personal.”. She encouraged thousands of reporters to feel that they could venture into life and reality, and lead with authority and warmth.
Born Susan Levitt in Newark, New Jersey, Stamberg graduated from Barnard College and started her broadcasting career at WAMU, Washington, D.C.’s public radio station. When NPR was created in 1971, she became an audio editor, actually cutting tape with a razor blade during the early days of radio production. In a year, her charm and talent drove her to co-host All Things Considered, becoming one of the first women to host a top national news program.
Unlike many of her peers who specialized in politics or hard news alone, Stamberg frequently infused her reporting with a sense of curiosity and humanity. Her interviews honored the arts, culture, and the mundane details of life, which resonated with a loyal listenership that enjoyed her humor and insight. One of her several traditions was her yearly on-air dissemination of her mother-in-law’s now-infamous cranberry relish recipe – and yes, it included horseradish – a narrative that became a Thanksgiving tradition for NPR listeners.
Following her withdrawal from All Things Considered, Stamberg still played a role in NPR’s programming as she assisted in launching Weekend Edition Sunday. There, she added provocative new features, such as puzzles and the now-legendary weekly car-advice feature with Tom and Ray Magliozzi – more commonly known as “Click and Clack” of Car Talk. Her reach went beyond the news department, assisting NPR in becoming more personal and listener-oriented.
Later in life, Stamberg worked as a special correspondent for NPR, frequently reporting on cultural news and Hollywood stories. Her talent for relating to people – interviewing a Hollywood star or the average citizen – stayed her trademark until her last day behind the microphone.
During her career, Stamberg was awarded with many different accolades, such as induction into both the Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the National Radio Hall of Fame. She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an uncommon distinction for a journalist, highlighting her position as both a media icon and a familiar voice in American living rooms.
Stamberg retired only six weeks before her death, leaving behind a legacy which continues to define the sound and soul of NPR. She is survived by her son, actor Josh Stamberg, and two granddaughters. Her husband, Louis Stamberg, died in 2007.
Her humanity, wit, and voice made her a daily presence in the lives of millions – a daily reminder that good journalism appeals as much to the heart as to the head.
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