A Journey Through Time: The Life of Robert Lewis Shayon

A Journey Through Time: The Life of Robert Lewis Shayon

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Robert Lewis Shayon’s life was a remarkable tapestry woven with various threads of achievement, creativity, and influence. This blog post aims to explore the significant milestones in the life of Shayon, shedding light on his contributions and legacy.

Early Life and Influences

Robert Lewis Shayon was born in 1920, during a transformative period in American history. Growing up in Brooklyn, he was influenced by the vibrant cultural and artistic environment of New York City. Some key aspects of his early life include:

• Family Background: Shayon was born into a family that valued education and creativity, fostering his early passion for literature and the arts.
• Education: He attended local public schools and was an avid reader, which paved the way for his future endeavors in writing and journalism.
• Cultural Influence: Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods exposed him to various cultures, shaping his worldview and artistic pursuits.

Career Beginnings

Shayon’s career began when he ventured into journalism and writing. His early work scripted the narrative of an evolving American life. Key highlights of his career beginnings include:

1. Journalism: Shayon started working as a reporter for local newspapers, where he honed his skills in storytelling and critical analysis.
2. World War II Contribution: During the war, he served as a war correspondent, bringing poignant stories about the experiences of soldiers back to the American public.
3. Post-War Writing: After the war, he focused on writing more extensively, contributing articles to various national publications.

In the postwar 1940s, working in the radio documentary unit at CBS with Edward R. Murrow, Shayon wrote and directed two special programs that helped elevate the medium.  The first, “Operation Crossroads,” aired in the spring of 1946, less than a year after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was a survey of public knowledge and opinion about atomic energy and featured an interview with Albert Einstein. Jack Gould, writing in The New York Times, said the program “expanded the horizon of American radio more than any other single broadcast has done in recent years.” The second, in 1947, was “The Eagle’s Brood,” about the spread of juvenile delinquency in the United States. Shayon wrote its script “after a 9,000-mile, $2,000 coast-to-coast tour of U.S. slums and prisons,” Time magazine reported at the time. “ ‘What I saw,’ says Shayon, ‘hit me between the eyes.’ His script, as radio rarely does, hit listeners between the ears.”
 

Major Achievements

Throughout his life, Robert Lewis Shayon accumulated numerous accolades for his work that resonated with both the public and literary circles. Some of his notable achievements include:

• Published Works: Authored several books and articles that explored human experiences, societal changes, and cultural critiques.
• Awards: Received various awards in journalism, highlighting his impact on the field.
• Legacy: His writings have inspired subsequent generations of writers and journalists, reminding them of the power of storytelling.

Shayon went on to produce and direct the “You Are There” series for CBS, which melded history and technology by telling the stories of historical events — the storming of the Bastille, the discovery of America by Columbus, as if they were being covered live on the air. The first episode, on 7.7.1947, about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, was written by Shayon. The program aired for 3 years and was made into a television series with Walter Cronkite as the host.

Personal Life

Beyond the accolades and achievements, Robert Lewis Shayon was known for his humble nature and commitment to family. Key aspects of his personal life include:

• Family: Shayon married and had children, instilling in them the values of hard work, creativity, and critical thinking.
• Philanthropy: He contributed to various charitable organizations, particularly those supporting the arts and education.
• Lifelong Learner: Always pursuing knowledge, Shayon was a regular attendee at lectures and community events.

The Legacy of Robert Lewis Shayon

Turning to the print media, he became the first television critic for The Christian Science Monitor before joining The Saturday Review, where he remained for more than 20 years.
He was the author of several books, including “Television and Our Children,” which was published in 1951 and was one of the first considerations of the impact of the new medium on young people. In 1965 he joined the faculty of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. When he retired, in 1990, the school endowed a chair in his name.
He died of pneumonia, age 95, at this home in Frankfort KY on 6.28.2008, his impact continues to resonate today. The lessons learned from his life and work provide valuable insights for current and future generations:

1. The Power of Words: Shayon taught us that words can shape society and bring about change.
2. Cultural Appreciation: His embrace of diversity reminds us to value and celebrate different perspectives.
3. Commitment to Craft: His dedication to journalism emphasizes the importance of integrity and truth in storytelling.

Conclusion

The life of Robert Lewis Shayon is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have through their work and dedication to storytelling. By reflecting on his history and contributions, we can continue to draw inspiration from his commitment to excellence, creativity, and the power of the written word.