Students hear tales of TV news legend

Casey Murrow, son of renowned journalist Edward R. Murrow, met with Springfield High School students this week and said his father was a positive influence in his life.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20110930/NEWS02/709309938

Students hear tales of TV news legend at Springfield school


Christian Avard / STAFF PHOTO @Normal:Casey Murrow


By Christian Avard
Staff Writer - Published: September 30, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — Casey Murrow, son of renowned journalist Edward R. Murrow, met with Springfield High School students this week and said his father was a positive influence in his life.

“My dad outside of television could be very relaxed. He loved to tell stories and work outdoors,” Murrow said. “He inspired me to do a bunch of things. I wanted a new bike when I was about 10 years old. He said he would buy it for me but that I would have to explain the Bill of Rights. I was terrified. But I learned the Bill of Rights and got my bike.”

Edward R. Murrow began his career at CBS Radio as director of talks and education. Casey Murrow said his father became a journalist by accident when he was working abroad in Vienna, Austria. According to Murrow, his father wound up on the air by accident when Germany annexed Austria in 1938. CBS turned to Edward Murrow to report on the event.

“He would tell you today that he was in the right place in the right time,” Murrow said.

Edward Murrow appeared on the “CBS Evening News” and hosted two television shows, “This I Believe” and “See It Now.” Murrow catapulted to success when “See It Now” covered the Red Scare and Sen. Joseph McCarthy. Murrow’s interview with McCarthy led to the senator’s downfall. Casey Murrow said his parents shielded him from the controversy.

“There were threats against them and me. They were quiet and I had no idea this was going on when I was 7 or 8 years old,” Casey Murrow said. “I was more protected, but I had to put up with some kids who said ‘You’re dad is a communist.’ I was confused what that meant. I knew it was bad, but I didn’t know what it was.”

Springfield senior Mike Whittemore asked Murrow whether he faced any pressures to live up to his father’s success. He compared Casey’s situation to his own. Whittemore’s mother, Susan Whittemore, is the Elm Street Elementary School principal in Springfield. Murrow said he did not face significant pressure.

“In your situation, it’s more local. In my situation, my dad was more removed and at a distance. I was afforded more opportunities because of my father, but I turned down most of them,” Murrow said.

Springfield senior Lauren Fountain also asked if Edward Murrow encouraged Casey to go into broadcast journalism. Casey Murrow said he did not and for that he was grateful.

“I worked for ABC news one summer as a college student and it didn’t work out. (My father) thought everyone should make up their own minds. What he was trying to say to me was ‘You don’t have to do it my way,’” Murrow said.

Casey Murrow graduated from Yale University and double-majored in history and psychology. He lives in Putney and is director of the Southeast Vermont Learning Collaborative in Dummerston.