On the Media The Journalist Who Saw WW2 Coming
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Aug 27, 2025 Explore the life of Dorothy Thompson, a bold journalist who fearlessly reported on Hitler's rise and rallied against fascism. Discover her harrowing experiences in Nazi Germany and her poignant commentary on the persecution of Jews. The narrative reveals her evolving views on the Zionist project during her time in Palestine, leading to personal and professional fallout. The podcast emphasizes the enduring legacy of Thompson's advocacy for democracy and moral responsibility amidst global injustices, urging a call for coexistence.
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A Pioneer Female Broadcaster
- Radio Diaries and On the Media presented Dorothy Thompson as a pioneering female commentator who reached millions in the 1930s.
- Time had called her a woman who "thinks, talks, and sleeps world problems and scares strange men half to death."
Expulsion And Rise As Anti-Nazi Voice
- Dorothy Thompson was expelled from Germany by the Gestapo and returned to the U.S. where she broadcast widely against Nazism.
- Her radio appeals rallied international opposition and made her a public enemy of Hitler's regime.
Broadcasting As Moral Appeal
- Thompson used broadcasting to personify resistance and address leaders directly, turning commentary into moral appeals.
- She framed events like the Polish attacks to highlight civilian suffering and mobilize listeners.
