After Pearl Harbor: The Haunting WNYC Broadcasts

By
Soterios Johnson
Way Back | Dec 10, 2015

WNYC was the first station in New York City to broadcast news of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. The commandant of the Brooklyn Navy Yard ordered all officers and men in the New York area to report at once to their ships, stations or yards. Mayor La Guardia also took to the airwaves to warn Japanese subjects in New York City to stay in their homes until the government could determine their "status."

More than 2,400 Americans died at Pearl Harbor and the U.S. declared war on Japan the next day.

WNYC's Pearl Harbor News Bulletin

 

Mayor LaGuardia's Pearl Harbor Address

 

Note: This web article has been revised to clarify that Mayor La Guardia ordered Japanese subjects in New York to stay in their homes, not Japanese New Yorkers.

Profile Image
Soterios Johnson

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Parts of Manhattan to sacrifice 10% of street parking as NYC installs new trash bins

The Upper West and East sides of Manhattan are set to lose thousands of parking spaces as the city begins to containerize residential trash.
Gothamist |

Speak to Speaker Menin

City Council Speaker Julie Menin talks about the latest news from City Council and takes calls from listeners.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Odyssey' Translator Emily Wilson on Bringing the Ancient Tale to Life in Christopher Nolan's New Film

All Of It with Alison Stewart |

The World Cup, the Knicks, and LeBron James’s Fate: An All-Time Summer in Sports

The staff writer Louisa Thomas on the U.S. men’s national soccer team, the N.B.A. off-season, and Serena Williams.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |
YOU ARE ONLINE