An American Treasure Lost

This country has lost an American treasure. I’ve just learned famed “60 Minutes” correspondent Ed Bradley died today at Mount Sinai hospital in New York. A man known for his tenacious reporting, a pioneer in so many ways, has been taken from us prematurely.

Three weeks ago I was in New York and had the rare chance to spend a little time with the legendary newsman. What a treat it was. Though, he seemed a little aloof as though his mind was on something else. Sadly, it seems to make more sense now.

It’s a little surreal for someone to die not long after you see them.



Lets not forget, however, this is a man who lived an incredible life. As a child growing up in a rough section of Philadelphia, Bradley took to heart his parents inspiring words.

"I was told, 'You can be anything you want, kid,"' he said. "When you hear that often enough, you believe it."

Not only did he believe it, he achieved it.

A career that began as a teacher, ended with use of broadcasting as an educational instrument. Bradley throughout his career remained an educator.

After working for WCBS Newsradio in New York as the only African American on its news staff, he continued as the trailblazer for African Americans in television news and on television in general. He told an interviewer: "I think that I was thrown into the soup, and someone said, 'Negro, sink or swim.'"

At age 65, we bid farewell to a journalistic icon long before we should, but thankfully after he made monumental contributions that reach far beyond television news into greater society, touching many lives today.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Bradley’s wife, Patricia Blanchet and his relatives.

Question and Answer

A comment two posts before this one asks why I'm in New York. Truth be told, a story brings me here. Aired last fall, KBIA's Sarah Ashworth, Kyle Palmer and I produced "What's on the Line?," a 30-minute documentary analyzing the threat from the New Madrid fault line. After Hurricane Katrina, we decided it imperative to look at the most active fault outside California. A little history explains why. In 1811 and 1812, the region was decimated by not one, not two, but three 7-8.0 earthquakes. Seismologists say it's only a matter time before the region rattles again. "What's on the Line" looked at how prepared the region -- spanning from south of Memphis to north of Saint Louis -- is for a major quake. What we found was the fourth most feared natural disaster in the United States could present first responders with colossal challenges and a death toll in the tens of thousands.

Earlier this year, we were informed the documentary won a national Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio-Television News Directors Association. So to answer the question, I'm here on behalf of the station to accept that award. I am still beside myself.

The trip, so far, has been unbelievably surreal, though that could just be explained by a severe lack of sleep and full agenda. On Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting and briefly visiting with two of the most esteemed investigative journalists in our country, Ed Bradley and Steve Kroft of "60 Minutes."

I've been to New York before. But this trip, despite the jam-packed itinerary, is truly wonderful. Thank you for the interest. I intend on writing a little about the dinner and banquet tomorrow evening.