Reminiscences of Ruth Ashton Taylor, 1992

Biographical Note

Journalist

Scope and Contents

Description of childhood in Los Angeles, California and Shelton, Nebraska; Scripps College, B.A., 1943; Columbia School of Journalism, M.A., 1944; recollections of WWII: relocation of Japanese-Americans; first marriage in 1949, children, divorce, second marriage in 1968; employment with CBS Radio News during WWII and late 1940s: reflections on major figures at CBS Radio News, description of staff and programming, production of news story on atomic energy, women in broadcasting; radio broadcaster, Los Angeles, 1950s and 1960s: "Firing Line" radio program, 1964-66; KNX Television, Los Angeles: nightly woman's angle show, coverage of Rose Parade, political conventions; host, "The Ruth and Pat Show," 1962-64; "Newsmakers" show; coverage of fires in Los Angeles County; description of expansion of networks: increased programming, personnel changes, layoffs, cost-cutting, technological improvements; contracts, salary, and length of work week; retirement in 1989; awards received; reflections on the different experiences of men and women in broadcasting; reflections on major life influences; importance of age and appearance in broadcasting; reflections on marriage, motherhood and career

Subjects

• Biagi, Shirley, interviewer.
• Interviews.
• Japanese Americans--Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1945.
• Oral histories.
• Radio journalism--Atomic energy.
• Radio journalism--World War, 1939-1945.
• Taylor, Ruth Ashton--Interviews.
• Television broadcasting.
• Women in radio broadcasting.
• Women in television broadcasting.
• Women journalists--Interviews.

Access Conditions

Copyright by the Washington Press Club Foundation, 1990