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16/08/1961

Renowned journalist Ed Murrow comments on the East-West Berlin border unrest, and Peter Woods reports from Berlin on witnessing the boundary being sealed. (1961)

Renowned journalist and broadcaster Ed Murrow describes his observations of the unrest on the East-West Berlin border as the Soviets tighten their control, drawing comparisons with Hitler's occupation of the Rhineland.And Peter Woods reports from Berlin on witnessing the boundary between East and West being sealed with a concrete wall. He describes the ominous events that have taken place throughout the day, including the closure of an underground station and the movement of some East Berliners across the border. (1961)

15 minutes

Last on

Wed 16 Aug 1961 09:50

Did You Know?

Ed Murrow worked for American network the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) and famously reported from Europe during World War II with support from the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ. His daily broadcasts from London included some that were sent live during air raids. He also flew on bombing missions to Germany and was one of the first to report on the liberation of Buchenwald concentration camp.

Another great feat of his career was the TV programme See It Now, which challenged McCarthyism and even Senator Joseph McCarthy himself. Chain-smoking throughout, Murrow also famously coined the phrase 'Good night and good luck' on the show.

Did You Know?

Construction of the Berlin Wall began in darkness during the early hours of 13 August 1961. As a result, many were unaware of what was happening. On 23 August, access between East and West Berlin was closed to all citizens. Temporary access by foreign visitors was permitted under controlled conditions.

The barrier consisted of two walls with an area (or corridor) in between that was heavily guarded (a 'no man's land' or 'death zone'). A trench was also dug to prevent escape by vehicle. The walls were constructed not only of purpose-built concrete blocks topped with barbed wire or glass but also paving stones from the streets. Even a row of terraced houses formed part of the barricade, in Bernauer Strasse (Bernauer Straße).

Archive

Archive clips reflect the broadcast standards and attitudes of their time, which may not accord to some current Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ editorial guidelines.

Broadcast

  • Wed 16 Aug 1961 09:50

The Berlin Wall Collection

Clips from this programme are available online as part of The Berlin Wall Collection