R.I.P.: CBS Radio/TV Newsman Richard C. Hottelet

Richard C. Hottelet

Richard C. Hottelet, the last living member of the famed "Murrow's Boys," whose World War II radio reports for CBS under the direction of Edward R. Murrow set the standard for broadcast journalism, has died.

The former CBS News correspondent was 97 and passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home early Wednesday in Wilton, Conn.

"Richard C. Hottelet was the ultimate CBS News reporter," said Jeff Fager, CBS News chairman and executive producer of 60 MINUTES. "He was one of the true gentleman reporters, a real 'Murrow boy,' an elegant combination of reporter and storyteller."

Hottelet had a distinguished 40-year career on CBS News radio and television contributing countless foreign reports, most as the United Nations correspondent for 25 years.

His status as one of "Murrow's boys" - a clique of World War II broadcast journalists all hired and favored by the legendary CBS newsman - put him in a revered group whose battlefield radio reports formed the template for electronic news reporting.


Hottelet was the last to join the team when he presented himself to Murrow in London and was hired in January 1944 to help report the imminent Allied invasion of Europe.