Actor · Writer

Ned Calmer

1907–1986 · Chicago, Illinois

In the golden age of radio and early television, few journalists embodied the spirit of mid-20th century reporting quite like Ned Calmer. A versatile communicator who seamlessly navigated the worlds of print, radio, and television, Calmer was a quintessential American journalist whose career spanned several transformative decades of media history.

Early Years and European Beginnings

Edgar Calmer, who would later be known professionally as Ned Calmer, was born on July 16, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable curiosity about the world that would define his journalistic career. In 1927, Calmer embarked on a pivotal chapter of his professional life, working for seven years at various European publications. His time at the Paris Tribune and Paris Herald - European editions of prominent American newspapers - provided him with a unique international perspective that would distinguish his later work. During his European sojourn, Calmer not only honed his journalistic skills but also began to explore his literary talents. It was during this period that he became friends with notable literary figures who would influence his writing career. One such connection proved particularly meaningful when a friend helped finance a trip back to the United States for Calmer, his wife, and daughter.

Radio: The Golden Age of Broadcasting

Calmer's radio career reached its zenith when he was hired by CBS in 1940. He became a key member of the wartime news team known as Murrow's Boys, a prestigious group of journalists that included some of the most respected broadcasters of the era. His involvement with the CBS World News Roundup, a groundbreaking radio show that began on March 13, 1938, positioned him at the forefront of international news reporting during a period of intense global tension. The radio show, which originally included short-wave reports from major European cities like London, Paris, Vienna, Rome, and Berlin, was a critical source of information for Americans during the tumultuous years leading up to and during World War II. Calmer's distinctive voice and reporting style made him a trusted source of news for listeners across the nation.

Transition to Television and Broader Media

As television emerged as a dominant medium, Calmer adeptly transitioned his skills to the new format. In 1950, he hosted a prime-time interview program called In the First Person, demonstrating his versatility as a broadcaster. He was also a newsman on Good Morning in 1956-1957 and appeared on several other television programs like CBS Views the Press. Beyond broadcasting, Calmer was an accomplished writer. His first novel was published in 1934, launching a prolific writing career that would see him author more than a dozen books. His works explored diverse themes, including The Strange Land (1950) about combat in Europe, The Anchorman (1970) examining television's influence, and The Winds of Montauk (1980), a family narrative.

Legacy and Impact

Ned Calmer represented a generation of journalists who bridged the gap between traditional print reporting and the emerging electronic media landscape. His career exemplified the adaptability and intellectual curiosity required of mid-20th century communicators. From European newspapers to radio newsrooms, and from wartime reporting to television studios, Calmer consistently demonstrated a commitment to informative, engaging storytelling. When he passed away on March 9, 1986, in New York City, he left behind a rich legacy of journalism that had helped Americans understand the complex world around them during some of the most transformative decades of the 20th century.

Works and Appearances

Radio

CBS World News Roundup (1938-1940s)
Various news programs as part of Murrow's Boys

Television

In the First Person (1950) - Prime-time interview program
Good Morning (1956-1957) - Newsman
CBS Views the Press (Various years)

Books

Unnamed first novel (1934)
The Strange Land (1950)
The Anchorman (1970)
The Winds of Montauk (1980)

Print Media

Paris Tribune (1927-1934)
Paris Herald (1927-1934)

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