The Great National and Transnational Communicator: Eleanor Roosevelt’s Use of Radio to Promote Peace and Understanding

Starting as a broadcaster in the 1920s; hosting her own shows in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s; and appearing on countless programs by others, radio was an integral part of the media mix employed by Eleanor Roosevelt during her multifaceted public service career, along with her speeches, books, and magazine and newspaper articles. This chapter explains the way she capitalized on radio’s ability to be a social force, a means to educate people about difficult issues, and a vital method of cultural diplomacy. As one of the few prominent people in the early part of the Cold War, Eleanor Roosevelt recognized the unique role that radio could play as a way to reach ordinary people directly in their homes to explain American foreign policy and regularly called for more government investment in the Voice of America. She also strongly supported the programs of United Nations Radio, hoping they would encourage people to take an active role in working toward international peace and understanding. And in her own domestic radio shows, she frequently talked about international relations, foreign conflicts, and the workings of the United Nations. United States Information Agency Officials praised Mrs. Roosevelt for “cutting through the footnote psychology” when addressing audiences in French-speaking countries, arguing she did more for goodwill toward America than any other form of persuasion.