Born: 1937 (Ithaca, New York)
Died: 2021
Biography:
Joan Murray (November 6, 1937 – December 18, 2021) was a trailblazing African-American woman who made significant contributions to the field of journalism. She is best known as the first African-American woman to report the news on a major network show. Murray’s determination and resilience paved the way for other women of color to pursue careers in broadcast journalism.
Born on November 6, 1937, in Ithaca, New York, Joan Murray began her professional life as a court reporter. However, she had a deep passion for journalism and aspired to become a news broadcaster. In 1965, Murray took a bold step and wrote a letter to CBS-TV, requesting they hire her as a news broadcaster. Her tenacity paid off, and she was subsequently employed by CBS.
Initially, Murray worked as a secretary in the Press Department of CBS-TV in New York City before becoming a secretary to Allen Funt of Candid Camera. She later worked as a writer for Women on the Move, an NBC daytime program hosted by Kitty Carlisle. Murray’s talent and dedication caught the attention of the industry, and she found herself in-demand as an African-American woman in the world of broadcasting.
Notably, in April 1965, Murray made history as the first African-American newswoman employed by a major television station, WCBS (Channel 2, New York City). This groundbreaking achievement shattered barriers and opened doors for future generations of African-American women in media. Murray’s influence extended beyond news broadcasting when she became the only African-American woman to sit on the panel of the CBS game show, What’s My Line
In addition to her accomplishments in journalism, Joan Murray was an accomplished aviator. She made history as the first African-American woman pilot to participate in the famed All Woman Transcontinental Air Race, also known as the Powder Puff Derby. This annual race featured a different route across the country each year and served as a platform to showcase the skills and capabilities of women pilots.
Throughout her career, Murray received numerous accolades and awards for her outstanding achievements. She was the recipient of the Mademoiselle Award for Outstanding Achievement, the Urban League’s Certificate of Merit, and the Mary McLeod Bethune Achievement Award from the National Council of Negro Women. These prestigious honors recognized Murray’s significant contributions and served as a testament to her talent and dedication.
In 1969, Murray left WCBS to co-found one of the first African-American advertising agencies, the Zebra Agency. This pioneering venture attracted national advertisers and further displayed Murray’s entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. Additionally, in 1967, Pepsi sponsored The Joan Murray Show on radio, a nationally syndicated program produced by Hartwest Productions, Inc., aimed at opening up a market that had been largely overlooked by rival Coca-Cola.
Murray’s groundbreaking achievements and dedication to her craft did not go unnoticed. She was featured multiple times in Ebony magazine and was part of a 1966 article titled TV News Hens which highlighted black women breaking into television reporting. The article also featured Trudy Haynes of KYW-TV and Edith Huggins of WCAU-TV, showcasing the contributions of African-American women in the media.
In her retirement, Murray resided in upstate New York, where she generously donated her archival materials to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York City. This act ensured that her valuable contributions to journalism and African-American history would be preserved and accessible to future generations.
Joan Murray’s legacy as a pioneering African-American newswoman and aviation trailblazer will continue to inspire and empower. Her determination to overcome barriers and her commitment to excellence opened doors for women of color in the media industry. Through her achievements, she left an indelible mark on women’s history and changed the landscape of broadcast journalism.
Awards:
– Mademoiselle Award for Outstanding Achievement
– Urban League’s Certificate of Merit
– Mary McLeod Bethune Achievement Award from the National Council of Negro Women