Edward R. Murrow Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Edward R. Murrow was a renowned American broadcaster and journalist who played a pivotal role in the early years of television and radio news. Born Egbert Roscoe Murrow in 1908 in North Carolina, he adopted the name “Edward” as a teenager. Murrow’s career began at CBS in 1935, where he quickly gained recognition for his innovative radio news reports during World War II.

From 1938 to 1946, Murrow called flat No. 5 at 84 Hallam Street in London’s Westminster borough his home. During this period, he delivered gripping live radio broadcasts during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, giving Americans a firsthand account of the war’s impact on London. His signature phrase, “This is London,” became a familiar introduction to millions of listeners.

Murrow’s wartime reporting earned him great acclaim and helped establish the standards for broadcast journalism. After the war, he continued to break new ground with hard-hitting television programs like “See It Now” and “Person to Person.” His confrontation with Senator Joseph McCarthy on “See It Now” in 1954 is considered a landmark moment in television history. Murrow’s integrity, courage, and commitment to truth in reporting set him apart as one of the most influential figures in American journalism.

Throughout his career, Murrow received numerous awards and honors, including several Peabody Awards and an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. He passed away in 1965 at the age of 57, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the world of broadcasting. The blue plaque at his former London residence serves as a testament to his enduring impact and the time he spent reporting from the heart of Westminster during one of the most challenging periods in modern history.