The world of journalism has lost a true pioneer. Susan Stamberg, the trailblazing broadcaster who shattered the glass ceiling as the first woman to host a national news program, has passed away at 87. Her legacy extends far beyond her groundbreaking role at National Public Radio (NPR), where she became a beloved voice for millions. But here's where it gets fascinating: Stamberg didn't just report the news—she helped shape the very sound of public radio itself.
Joining NPR in its infancy in the early 1970s, Stamberg navigated uncharted territory. As the host of All Things Considered starting in 1972, she found herself in a male-dominated field with no female role models. “The only ones on were men, and the only thing I knew to do was imitate them,” she once recalled. This led to an early, awkward phase of lowering her voice to sound authoritative. But a pivotal moment came when program manager Bill Siemering advised her to simply be herself. This decision wasn’t just personal—it was revolutionary. At a time when female broadcasters were often trained actors with polished accents and stiff delivery, Stamberg’s natural, conversational style became a hallmark of NPR’s identity. “We made a new sound with radio,” she proudly stated.
And this is the part most people miss: Stamberg didn’t just host a show; she helped build an institution. Alongside colleagues Cokie Roberts, Nina Totenberg, and Linda Wertheimer, she coined the term “founding mothers” to celebrate their pivotal roles in launching NPR. “I got tired of hearing about Founding Fathers,” she quipped, “and I knew we were not that, so we were obviously Founding Mothers.”
Her 14-year tenure at All Things Considered was just the beginning. She went on to host Weekend Edition Sunday, where she introduced the now-iconic Sunday puzzle feature with Will Shortz. Shortz, now the crossword editor of The New York Times, credits Stamberg with envisioning the show as the radio equivalent of a Sunday newspaper—a blend of news, culture, sports, and, of course, puzzles. Later, she became a cultural correspondent for Morning Edition and Weekend Edition Saturday, retiring just last September.
One of her most memorable moments came in 1979 when she hosted a two-hour live call-in program with President Jimmy Carter from the Oval Office. With no pre-screened questions, Stamberg skillfully managed the conversation, showcasing her ability to handle high-pressure situations with grace. This wasn’t just a broadcast—it was history in the making.
Throughout her career, Stamberg interviewed an astonishing array of figures, from political icons like Nancy Reagan and Rosa Parks to cultural luminaries like Annie Leibovitz and James Baldwin. Her “conversational style, intelligence, and knack for finding an interesting story” earned her a place in the National Radio Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020.
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.
But here’s the controversial question: In an era where media diversity is still a pressing issue, how much progress have we truly made since Stamberg’s pioneering days? While women now hold prominent roles in broadcasting, the industry still grapples with representation and equality. Stamberg’s legacy challenges us to ask: Are we doing enough to amplify diverse voices, or are we still imitating the past? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
