Department
of History
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Events ~ 2002-2003
A talk by HOWARD BLUE
Tuesday, October 28th, 2003 ~ 7:00 PM The Arts Center of the Capital Region 265 River St., Troy Presented by Talking History/UAlbany & Friends of WRPI Most of us know something about the use of propaganda during World War II, but how many of us know about the important role radio and radio drama played during the War? Such radio programs as An American in Britain, Lux Radio Theatre, New World A 'Comin, An Open Letter on Racism, Passport for Adam, This Is Our Enemy, Uncle Sam and many other shows were central elements in a widespread campaign to bolster domestic loyalty and to sway American hearts and minds during the War. Besides buttressing home front morale, these programs also challenged Americans’ racial, ethnic, and gender prejudices. This was not surprising in light of the fact that many of the radio writers and actors involved in these shows were liberals, progressives, and generally associated with the American Left. Their association with Left-wing causes and groups—including the Communist party in some cases—was not overly problematic to station managers, sponsors, and Federal government officials during the War, when the Soviet Union was an ally. But the story changes dramatically after the surrender of Japan and the defeat of Germany. The radio blacklist began; progressive radio personalities soon found themselves targeted by networks, the government, and fellow right-wing actors and writers. Actor Ward Bond, who took an active role in helping to blacklist his colleagues on the political left, once told a radio director, "We know Norman Corwin was not a communist, never was a communist. But he'll do until one comes along." On Tuesday, October 28th Howard Blue will tell the story of World War II radio drama and the post-War blacklist. Blue, an educator, translator, and writer, is the author of Words at War: World War II Era Radio Drama and the Postwar Broadcasting Industry Blacklist (Scarecrow Press, 2002). A two-part interview with Blue aired on Talking History and is now available on the on-line show archive (http://talkinghistory.org). For all who are interested in the history of radio, World War II radio drama, government propaganda, censorship, and the cultural history of the American left, Blue’s visit and presentation will truly be a treat.
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