CBS European News Am Edition

The 1940s was a landmark decade for news stories.Just following the political climate in the nation and the world war that was going on, there was something to always relate to the American public.Policies, battles, celebrity commentary; all of these played into the daily existence. One of the most intense and dangerous places on earth to be during this era was Europe. For the top of the day and beginning the work day news was the CBS European News AM Edition.The top-rated network of its day was where millions were tuning into on daily basis to find out the latest from the battlefront or who was making the daily headlines.Take for instance...

Britain at War with Germany
On March 3, 1939, CBS announced that Prime Minister of Britain, Neville Chamberlain, made a speech telling his countrymen that England was at war with Germany. The news continued to share how Parliament was in session and the air-raid sirens were at full blast.

London is at war and the air raids sirens at full alarm. These words gave a simple, but accurate percussion of what was happening in England. The news was announcing that Londoners were taking things in stride, in spite of the new declaration.

164th Anniversary of American Independence
On July 4th 1940 , the program shared what was happening in Europe in the war as America was celebrating its 164 Anniversary. The British navy is fighting off the coast of Africa. The news event went on to showcase the meeting of British naval forces with the French navy.As Germany was in the opening days of their march on Europe,the French government was under an armistice with Germany. Britain and Germany were heading for intense conflicts. Also news from Balkans as Romania was setting up a new government.

Axis Power Agreements with Russia
Allied forces were reporting arranging agreements with Russia and Hungary. The news report continued on about air battles occurring over Europe between Britain and Germany. This was all a precedent before the German air strikes would eventually hit London and the British Isles.

The News Reports coming from Europe during these days were direct journalistic reports with the facts of the war that was looming and eventually would become a reality. The radio audience needed to know what the situation was like and how it would affect American involvement. Whispers of war were becoming more vocal. Europe news reports brought the reality of conflict a major part of the American public.