THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR JOBS AND FREEDOM - 1963 LIVE BROADCAST FROM THE EDUCATIONAL RADIO NETWORK (ERN). 

This 15 hour treasure of archived programming, retained by WGBH, has been processed, refined, improved with continuity (extraneous master material eliminated), by Phil Gries.

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was originally broadcast live across the Educational Radio Network (known as ERN, a precursor to NPR which established itself in 1971) on August 28, 1963. The coverage began at 9am and continued for 15 uninterrupted hours, until Midnight. The live broadcast was heard on 89.7 WGBH Boston Public Radio, a member of the network and an active participant in the broadcast.  

INCLUDED IN THE DAYS EVENTS AND RECORDED:

9am-10am-Introduction by anchor George Geesey, who reports from various locations by ERN staff. Pre-program entertainment from the stage at the Washington Monument grounds.

10am-11am-Interviews with participants, music from the stage Joan Baez, Peter, Paul & Mary, and Odetta. Segment also includes various interviews including with George W. Goodman, clergy from Acton, Mass., and an update from police headquarters.

11am-Noon-Bob Dylan sings. Comments from Bayard Rustin, Jackie Robinson. President John F Kennedy press conference clips, various on-the-spot interviews with marchers. 

Noon to 1:00pm-Reports of the actual March, along with pre-recorded "reflections" on the meaning of the march by Roy Wilkins. Pre-recorded interview with John A. Volpe, former Massachusetts governor. Interview with Norman Thomas. 

1:00pm-2:00pm-Interview with Marlon Brando. Pre-recorded interviews with Senator Paul Douglas (D-IL), Senator Kenneth Keating (R-NY), Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Josephine Baker, Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Dr Ralph Bunche, and Dick Gregory. Bob Dylan sings Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Len Chandler and Stuart Scharf sing, "Keep Your Eyes On The Prize." Interviews with Burt Lancaster and Harry Belafonte.    

2:00pm-4:15pm - THE OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF THE MARCH:

Camilla Williams sings The National Anthem.
A. Philip Randolph introduction.
Daisy Bates speaks.
Dr. Eugene Carson Blake remarks.
Marion Anderson sings.
John Lewis speaks.
Walter Reuther remarks.
James Farmer (imprisoned) remarks read by Floyd McKissick). 
Eva Jessye Choir perform. 
Whitney Young remarks.
Roy Wilkins speaks
Mahalia Jackson sings.
Rabbi Joachim Prinz remarks.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. introduction by A. Philip Randolph.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks.
Bayard Rustin reads demands.
A. Philip Randolph reads pledge.
Dr. Benjamin E Mays of Morehouse College gives closing benediction.

4:15pm-5:30pm-Demonstrators leaving, clean-up logistics, singing replays of Bayard Rustin reading the list of demands and A. Philip Randolph reading the march pledge, pre-recorded comments by James Farmer, recorded interview with Senator Hubert Humphrey, recorded report with G. Mennen Williams, pre-recorded report form Voice of America reporter Robert Rodden, Isaiah Minkoff interview, follow-up on earlier report of food poisoning pre-recorded statement from Louis Fox. 

5:30pm-6:30pm-Commentaries on the march, problems of dispersal, pre-recorded telephone interview with Arthur Miller, live interview with Thomas Adel Queener (Ghana), discussion with psychiatrists Dr. Frank Abram Hale and Dr. Elizabeth Davis, press conference on White House meeting of top 10 march leaders with President John F. Kennedy.

6:30pm-7;00pm-Myron Spencer reports the news "Backgrounds." Myron Spence, director of the graduate school of business at Northeastern University with guest Dr. William C Kvaraceus, director of youth studies at the Lincoln Filenes Center and professor of education at Tufts University. 

7:00pm-9:00pm-WGBH's Bill Cavness introduces excerpts from the afternoon's official ceremony from the Lincoln Memorial.

9:00pm-10:30pm-Panel discussion on the implications of the Freedom March on Washington. Moderator Geoffrey Godsell, editorial writer for The Christian Science Monitor, with his guests, Heywood Burns, author of "The Voices of Negro Protest in America", William Higgs, civil rights consultant and representative of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee on the Leadership Conference of Civil Rights, and William Goldsmith, assistant professor of politics at Brandies University. 

10:30pm-11:00pm-Reflections on The March by ERN reporters who covered it. Anchor George Geesey with Malcolm Davis, Arnold Shaw, Al Hulsen, Cal Mositer, Jeff Giley, and David Edwards. Bob Medgar Evers, Charles P. McLean, director of public relations for the E.O. Elks, and Massachusetts Attorney General, Edward Brook.

11:00-Midnight- One hour WGBH News retrospective. 

NOTE: The original archived complete 15 hour broadcast was recorded on 10 reels of 1/4" tape.  WGBH took the lead related to coverage, though it was basically hosted out of Washington, D.C. This affiliate station was more stable than many of  the others which were run mostly by college students. 

There are many compromised audio issues in the archived reels. Performances on stage in many cases were recorded at much lower volumes and many speeches were recorded "off mike." Similar issues related to the volume exist when reporters at the scene are talking and then vast changes in volume are heard when switching to anchors who would report on follow up details and the dissemination of events that were happening and scheduled to occur. 

The original recordings in some cases were poorly recorded in the first place at the time of the live broadcast. Whomever was controlling the sound mix of the varied broadcast audio feeds allowed, at times, for the ambiance of the crowd to overpower a performer on stage. 

There existed at the time during transfers, dubbing, etc. other recording issues related to the archived tapes themselves which created level inconsistencies. Also, it must be remembered that THE EDUCATIONAL RADIO NETWORK at that time were comprised of NOT seasoned and experienced professionals like some of the other personnel employees working at the major networks.

Many of the above issues, related above, have been improved by Phil Gries after many hours of  equalizing and remastering the entire broadcast. What now exists as archived at Archival Television Audio, Inc.is the best version known to exist.  
                                                                                                

Coverage of yesterday's raid in North Vietnam, third suspect arrested in death of Malcolm X, Bill Plante reports from Selma, Alabama on murder of Jimmie Lee Jackson two weeks ago, Reverand Ralph Abernathy gives eulogy.
Other news: Red China's hold on Africa getting larger
In East Berlin: underground nuclear tests, approval of disarmament bill, Roger Mudd reports on Robert Kennedy's investigation of Jimmy Hoffa which is called "unfair", Neil Strausser interview with RFK, military pay raise, study on dangers of pesticides, Dave Duggan story on antiquated Atlas missiles, Elizabeth Taylor's chauffer, Gaston Sanz, strikes and kills 78-year-old woman while driving her from Dublin airport. Taylor issues statement to police. Report on minute man missiles, latest on Billy Sol Estes, 
Walter Cronkite sign off "and that's the way it is, March 3rd, 1965." 

Host: Walter Cronkite

Commercials included. Marlboro commercial with music included.                                                                                      

Voices in The Headlines was an American news program broadcast on ABC radio featuring the top news stories of the day. It was hosted by long-time radio and television announcer Fred Foy. 

A review of the week's top news stories: Selma march, Martin Luther King comments, comments by George Wallace, Andrew Young, Whitney Young, Dr. Ralph Bunche, and Ralph Abernathy, KKK murders a white civil rights woman activist (Viola Liuzzo), President Johnson makes angry comments  calling KKK " A hooded society of bigots," KKK leader Robert Shelton comments, KKK Grand Dragon comments on President Johnson, a report on the Gemini 11 spaceflight, the Ranger 9 moon probe takes pictures of the moon, 50,000 Russians greet cosmonauts in Moscow, China warns Russia to send troops to Vietnam, Senator Robert Kennedy scales Mount Kennedy peak in the Yukon,  

Narrator: Fred Foy.   

NOTE: Fred Foy, best known for his voicing the opening of THE LONE RANGER on radio joined the ABC TV announcing staff in New York in 1961. For ABC RADIO he narrated the award-winning news documentary, VOICES IN THE HEADLINES a 25-minute weekly wrap up of salient news events of the week with sound bites representing the news as it was recorded.                                                                                                                                                       

News report of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from WTOP-TV(CBS) Washington D.C. by Julian Barber. There is an NBC News bulletin and special report with further details including news of King's death. An ABC bulletin is heard interrupting regular broadcasting, announcing the tragic death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Joined in progress, late reports from Dan Rather on a CBS News Special Report. In a previous speech King is heard, reminding his followers that to put one's life on the line for what is just and righteous is to place oneself in danger, but the risks must be taken. 

Another extensive CBS TV NEWS SPECIAL REPORT from Washington DC is telecast preempting regular programming the evening of April 4, 1968.

 Walter Cronkite relays the latest news from Memphis, Tennessee where King was pronounced dead one hour after he was shot. Cronkite recounts a brief biographic report on King; his early life, his rise to fame, and the influences he has had promoting non-violent activates. Wires are read from shocked dignitaries. President Lyndon B. Johnson speaks live to the American people requesting all Americans to work together for peace and solidarity. Via video tape, Vice President Hubert Humphrey reflects on this tragedy and gives praise to the work which King has done and to his non-violent philosophy for acquiring freedom and civil rights for all people. 

On the following day, April 5, CBS EVENING NEWS with WALTER CRONKIITE.  

Dan Rather reports concerning the racial looting which has occurred. Ike Pappas reports from Memphis Tennessee. He states that at 2:06pm Dr. King walked on to his hotel balcony. 200 hundred feet away across the balcony one shot rang out and the assassin disappeared.  Steve Rowan from Memphis reports of looting and chaos during the day. Officers in gas masks. Fires everywhere. A number of Negroes taken into custody. National Guard requested and called in near the White House. Incidents of looting in Detroit, Boston, and in the states of  Tennessee, Colorado and North Carolina. A national day of mourning is reported by Dan Rather. President Johnson again talks to the American people requesting unity. Additional reports from Memphis come from Ike Pappas who states that King walked to railing at his hotel at 3:06pm. 200 feet away a single shot rang out, and the shooter disappeared. Bill Plante reports from Memphis related to  the emotions felt.. Prayers from Dr. Ralph Abernathy are heard. From Atlanta, a report detailing the return of King's body to Georgia. Peter Burns reports on funeral arrangements. From Cleveland, John Hart reports; we hear statements from Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Carl Stokes.

 From the HUNTLEY BRINKLEY REPORT(NBC), Chet Huntley and David Brinkley inform on the latest development regarding looting and violence in many states including Detroit, Greensboro, and Chicago. Federal troops ordered into the streets. All schools closed. Four deaths reported. Hundreds arrested in Detroit. Guard troops deployed in Nashville, Tennessee and in Chicago.

On CBS EVENING NEWS, Eric Sevareid comments on the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King.   
He states, "never before has this nation gone into a proclaimed mourning, its flag everywhere at half staffed over the death of  a private citizen. And this man was a descendent of slaves."      

Walter Cronkite concludes with his signature sign off,
"And that's the way it is, April 5th, 1968. This is Walter Cronkinte. Good Night."                           

ASSASSINATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING AND AFTERMATH
Anchor newsman Harry Reasoner examines the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King and the aftermath that has followed a day later.

Harry Reasoner reports on 40 cities across the nation where much domestic disturbance has erupted causing the National Guard to be deployed. We hear prior speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King proclaiming that he will not use violence to protest all that is evil in the country. 

President Lyndon Johnson speaks to the American people. He implores that blacks and whites must come together to fill the void of Dr. King whose voice has been stilled.

Reports of 3000 National Guardsman deployed to Detroit where one person has been killed. Major looting and fires everywhere. 2000 National Guardsman deployed to Boston. State of emergency in Washington DC where Steve Rowan reports major destruction and looting, some by children. Police officers attempt to curtail violence. 

Nelson Benton reports of 100 fires only blocks from the White House. Three deaths reported. 4000 National Guardsman deployed.  

Dan Rather reports from Washington D.C. President Johnson meets with 21 civil rights leaders at the White House this morning. Mourning in the afternoon at the National Cathedral.

In Chicago, 6000 National Guardsman have taken up position. Jeb Duvall reports. Two negroes killed by snipers. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley appeals for all people to protect the
city of Chicago. 

From Memphis Tennessee Ike Pappas reports and reconstructs the assassination. He states that Dr. King emerged from his room #306 and on the balcony leaned over to talk to others below. From a bathroom window across from the balcony, only 200 feet away the assailant fired one shot striking King in the neck, and fled. Also reporting from Memphis is Bill Plante...an extended report of Coretta King arriving at the Memphis airport, and the procession arriving at the funeral home. People line the streets. 

Reverend Ralph Abernathy states that Dr. Martin Luther King believed in non-violence. Tuesday will be his Funeral. There is a message from Jacqueline Kennedy. 

John Hart reports from Cleveland Ohio. Mayor Carl Stokes states that nobody can kill an idea or ideal which Dr. King represented, and whose message will continue to live in this city. 

Whitney Young addresses the question of who will replace Dr. Martin Luther King? He reflects to all that "The time has come for all decent people to voice their will. 

Roger Mudd reports in Washington D.C. that a Joint session of congress will be meeting on Monday with attentions of passing President's Johnson housing and jobs massive spending bill.
 
Eric Severeid examines the effects of violence that has been seen in many cities across the nation...assessment of the consequences of a great man assassinated, a symbol of a man who has been martyred.

Harry Reasoner signs off.                                                                

Steve Rowan from Washington, DC-Looting and rioting
Dan Rather-Report on the president
Ike Pappas- In Memphis, Tennessee- Details before Dr. King was shot.
Bill Plante- Reporting from Memphis
Peter Burns- With Dr. Ralph Abernathy
John Hart- With Robert F. Kennedy- mindless violence.
Also comments from Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes plus world reaction from Pope Paul VI, Britain's Parliament, The Soviet Union and Stokely Carmichael.
Comments from Robert Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Carl Stokes, plus world reaction.
Civil Rights Bill not passed, 
Bert Quint reports from Hanoi, 
Eric Sevareid with commentary on Dr. King.


Host: Walter Cronkite. With commercials. 
                                                                             

Live coverage and highlights from all three networks and Radio of Dr. Martin Luther King's Funeral.                                      

The World This Week with Reed Collins.

Richard Nixon asks President Johnson for a ceasefire 
Moratorium on criticism of the USA
James Earl Ray ID, warden remembers Ray as a prisoner "not a racist" and "not a violent person."
Sanitation strike in Memphis
Charles Kuralt on the success of the North Pole ascent to the top, 90 degrees North Latitude, the first time in 59 years. 
Camel Cigarette commercials                                                                       

Reports from Vietnam
Gamal Nasser says war with Israel is inevitable
Dan Rather reports on draft laws
Robert Schenke on the Columbia University strike.
David Schumacher reports on the Eugene McCarthy campaign
Status on French Heart patient
Dr. Ralph Abernathy: "Save America." Daniel Schorr reports
Report on a better food system.
March to Mississippi-Ed Rabel reports.

Walter Cronkite: Host

                                       

President Johnson proposes Vietnam peace talks aboard an Indonesian ship, Dan Rather reports.  
South Vietnamese President Thieu is interviewed-Bernard Kalb reports
700 enemy troops killed, 43 US troops killed this week.
Rockefeller's position on Vietnam policy, Morton Dean reports
Former President Eisenhower is recuperating
More protests and clashes at Columbia University, students claim police brutality
Dr. Ralph Abernathy leads the "Poor People's March" against the war in Vietnam. The march will begin in the next two weeks
David Schumacher reports on the Eugene McCarthy campaign spending
James Reston is the new Executive Director of the New York Times
Eric Sevareid editorial on Nelson Rockefeller, the man, his issues and policies.


Host: Walter Cronkite.

Commercials:  
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