Born: 1936 (Washington, D.C.)
Diane Rehm (/rim/; born Diane Aed; September 21, 1936) is an American journalist and a prominent figure in the world of public radio. She has made significant contributions to journalism and has had a lasting impact on society through her work. From her early days as a radio dispatcher to her decades as the host of The Diane Rehm Show on National Public Radio (NPR), Rehm has consistently shown a dedication to open dialogue and thoughtful conversation.
Rehm was born and raised in Washington, D.C. Her family history is a mix of Eastern Orthodox Christians from Ottoman Mersin and Lebanese heritage. Her father immigrated to the United States in 1911 and eventually brought Rehm’s mother from Alexandria, Egypt, to join him. Rehm attended William B. Powell Elementary and Roosevelt High School in Washington, D.C., where she developed her passion for radio and communication.
After graduating, Rehm initially worked for the city’s highways department as a radio dispatcher. This experience laid the foundation for her future career in broadcasting. In 1973, she began hosting a local morning talk show on WAMU, and her talent and expertise quickly caught the attention of NPR.
The Diane Rehm Show premiered in 1979 and quickly became one of the most popular talk shows on public radio. Its success can be attributed to Rehm’s ability to engage with a wide range of guests and topics, from politics and current events to literature and culture. Her distinctive voice, warm personality, and thoughtful interviewing style endeared her to listeners across the nation and around the world.
Throughout her career, Rehm championed the importance of civil discourse and respectful dialogue. She provided a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, creating an environment where listeners could engage with complex issues in a meaningful way. Rehm’s ability to ask probing questions and elicit thoughtful responses from her guests made her a trusted voice in journalism.
In 2016, Rehm announced her plans to retire from hosting The Diane Rehm Show after the 2016 elections. The final program was recorded and distributed on December 23, 2016, marking the end of an era in public radio. However, Rehm’s retirement did not mean the end of her contributions to the media landscape.
In January 2017, Rehm launched a weekly podcast, Diane Rehm: On My Mind, which continues to explore important issues and feature in-depth interviews. She also hosts the monthly book club series, Diane Rehm Book Club, where she engages with authors and readers alike. Her dedication to fostering meaningful conversations remains as strong as ever.
Rehm’s impact extends beyond her work as a broadcaster. She is the co-producer, narrator, and interviewer of the documentary When My Time Comes, which discusses the right to die debate. This project showcases Rehm’s commitment to addressing challenging topics and exploring different perspectives.
In addition to her broadcasting career, Rehm has been an advocate for medical aid in dying, drawing from personal experiences with her late husband, John Rehm. Following his death in 2014 after battling Parkinson’s disease, she became a passionate supporter of the right to choose how one’s life ends, making her voice an important part of the ongoing conversation surrounding end-of-life care.
Rehm’s contributions to journalism and public discourse have not gone unnoticed. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding work. These include the National Humanities Medal, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, among others.
Diane Rehm’s dedication to journalism, her commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue, and her influential role in the right to die debate make her a prominent figure in American media and women’s history. Her legacy as a trusted voice in broadcasting continues to inspire and inform audiences across the nation.