SAG-AFTRA has announced the passing of Susan Stamberg, a prominent journalist and union advocate, at the age of 87. Stamberg was recognized as one of the “founding mothers” of NPR, alongside Nina Totenberg, Linda Wertheimer, and Cokie Roberts. She played a key role in organizing union efforts at NPR.
SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin commented on Stamberg’s impact, stating, “The importance of Susan Samberg as a broadcaster and a union advocate can’t be overstated. NPR regularly employs hundreds of SAG-AFTRA members, and their sustainable livelihoods are owed to Stamberg and her colleagues who, in the 1970s, committed to unionizing their workplace. Her legacy will live on in the generations of broadcasters who can now benefit from her inspiration and advocacy.”
Stamberg, born Susan Levitt in Newark, New Jersey, on September 7, 1938, graduated from Barnard College in 1959. She joined AFTRA in 1977 after leading unionization efforts at NPR.
After unionizing her workplace, Stamberg remained an active supporter of labor causes. During contract negotiations, she would lead a Solidarity Walk around the NPR building with a bullhorn, gathering staff from each floor. These events brought together NPR employees wearing union T-shirts and carrying balloons.
Stamberg was the first woman to host a national news broadcast in the United States. She co-hosted NPR’s “All Things Considered” from 1972 to 1986 and hosted “Weekend Edition Sunday” from 1987 to 1989. She continued her work as a special correspondent for NPR until her retirement in September.
NPR’s Scott Simon described Stamberg as “one of the great figures in American broadcast history.” Her career was recognized with several honors, including induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1996, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020, and the Edward R. Murrow Award.
Stamberg is survived by her son, Josh, and her granddaughters Vivian and Lena.
