The world of journalism has lost a true pioneer. Susan Stamberg, the trailblazing broadcaster who shattered glass ceilings as the first woman to host a national news program, has passed away at 87. Her legacy is not just in the thousands of interviews she conducted, but in the doors she opened for women in a male-dominated field. But here's where it gets controversial: in an era where media representation is still fiercely debated, Stamberg's journey highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in broadcasting. Did she face resistance? Absolutely. And this is the part most people miss: she didn't just succeed despite the odds—she redefined what it meant to be a woman on air.
Stamberg's career began in the early 1970s when National Public Radio (NPR) was just finding its footing. At a time when women in broadcasting were few and far between, she stepped into the role of host for All Things Considered in 1972. In an oral history interview with Oregon's KLCC, she candidly admitted, 'The only ones on were men, and the only thing I knew to do was imitate them.' She even lowered her voice to sound more authoritative—until her program manager, Bill Siemering, advised her to simply be herself. This moment wasn't just personal; it was revolutionary. Stamberg's natural, conversational style broke away from the stiff, rehearsed delivery of her female predecessors, who were often trained actors. 'We made a new sound with radio,' she proudly stated, and she wasn't wrong.
Her impact extended beyond her on-air presence. Stamberg coined the term 'founding mother' to honor herself and three other women—Cokie Roberts, Nina Totenberg, and Linda Wertheimer—who were instrumental in shaping NPR. 'I got tired of hearing about Founding Fathers,' she quipped, 'and I knew we were not that, so we were obviously Founding Mothers.' This bold claim wasn’t just about recognition; it was a statement of ownership in a space where women were often overlooked.
Stamberg's 14-year tenure at All Things Considered was just the beginning. She later hosted Weekend Edition Sunday, where she introduced the beloved Sunday puzzle feature with Will Shortz, now the crossword editor of The New York Times. Shortz recalled that Stamberg envisioned the show as the radio equivalent of a Sunday newspaper—a blend of news, culture, sports, and entertainment. Her versatility shone as she transitioned to roles as a cultural correspondent for Morning Edition and Weekend Edition Saturday, retiring just last September.
One of her most notable moments came in 1979 when she hosted a two-hour live call-in program with President Jimmy Carter from the Oval Office. Unscreened questions from listeners poured in, and Stamberg managed the conversation with her signature poise. This wasn't just a broadcast; it was a testament to her ability to navigate high-pressure situations with grace.
Inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, Stamberg was celebrated for her 'conversational style, intelligence, and knack for finding an interesting story.' Her interviewees ranged from political icons like Nancy Reagan and Rosa Parks to cultural figures like Annie Leibovitz and James Baldwin. In 2020, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing her place in entertainment history.
Born Susan Levitt in Newark, New Jersey, in 1938, Stamberg grew up in Manhattan and met her husband, Louis Stamberg, while working in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is survived by her son, Josh Stamberg, and granddaughters Vivian and Lena.
As we reflect on her life, a thought-provoking question arises: How much progress have we truly made since Stamberg's groundbreaking career? While women now hold prominent roles in media, the fight for equal representation and opportunities continues. Stamberg's story isn't just a celebration of her achievements—it's a call to action. What do you think? Has the media landscape evolved enough, or is there still work to be done? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
