David Brinkley

David Brinkley (1920-2003) was interviewed for nearly three hours in Bal Harbour, FL. Mr. Brinkley spoke of his early years in the United Press and as a writer/announcer for radio.  He spoke of his association with NBC, which began in 1943 in Washington, D.C. He spoke of the network’s transition to television, and the Camel News Caravan with John Cameron Swayze, in which he provided the Washington report.  Brinkley talked of his work on all national conventions beginning in 1952, highlighted by his first teaming with Chet Huntley for the 1956 conventions.  He spoke of his long collaboration with Huntley on The Huntley-Brinkley Report, and Huntley’s retirement.  He described his landmark documentary series David Brinkley’s Journal, which pioneered the newsmagazine format, and his later series NBC Magazine with David Brinkley.  He also discussed his transition to ABC and his work on This Week With David Brinkley (1981-96). The interview was conducted by Don Carleton on December 8, 1999.