A man whose voice reached around the world, legendary news broadcaster Edward R. Murrow (1908–1965) was born Egbert Roscoe Murrow on this day in a log cabin in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Murrow worked in a logging camp during high school to help support his impoverished family.

He once said: "Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices just recognize them."

In 1939 he became a CBS war correspondent and was best known for the dramatic radio broadcasts from London during the battle of Britain with his signature opening phrase: "This--is London."

In the 1950s, Murrow adapted to television broadcasts and used the then-new medium to deal with the Korean War and Senator Joseph McCarthy's Communist controversy. "Difficulty is the excuse history never accepts," Murrow said.

Murrow celebrated truth, justice, free speech, citizenship, and the importance of individual rights. He observed, "The politician is trained in the art of inexactitude. His words tend to be blunt or rounded, because if they have a cutting edge they may later return to wound him."

Considered a pioneer in broadcast journalism, Murrow's rich-timbre voice was internationally recognized. His distinguished, hard-hitting style of reporting represented integrity and excellence and inspired generations to pursue journalism as a worthwhile career.

Speak up--Let your voice be heard.