Television Journalist. He was best known as the moderator for the TV news program "Meet the Press" (1975 to 1984). Born William Blanc Monroe, Jr. in New Orleans, he graduated from Tulane University and initiated his career in journalism as a reporter with the United Press, before serving in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon his return home he served as news director at WNOE-AM Radio, and in 1951 became the first news director at WDSU TV, an affiliate of NBC. During his time at that capacity, he wrote noted editorials which covered the topic of the desegregation of New Orleans-area schools. Monroe, (who received a Peabody Award in 1972) gradually began appearing as a panelist on "Meet the Press", and succeeded Lawrence Spivak as moderator in 1975. During his tenure, he conducted interviews with such notable world figures as Golda Meir, Henry Kissinger, Jimmy Carter and Yasser Arafat. After leaving the series in 1984, he served as a reporter for "The Today Show" and was Washington Bureau Chief for NBC.
Television Journalist. He was best known as the moderator for the TV news program "Meet the Press" (1975 to 1984). Born William Blanc Monroe, Jr. in New Orleans, he graduated from Tulane University and initiated his career in journalism as a reporter with the United Press, before serving in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon his return home he served as news director at WNOE-AM Radio, and in 1951 became the first news director at WDSU TV, an affiliate of NBC. During his time at that capacity, he wrote noted editorials which covered the topic of the desegregation of New Orleans-area schools. Monroe, (who received a Peabody Award in 1972) gradually began appearing as a panelist on "Meet the Press", and succeeded Lawrence Spivak as moderator in 1975. During his tenure, he conducted interviews with such notable world figures as Golda Meir, Henry Kissinger, Jimmy Carter and Yasser Arafat. After leaving the series in 1984, he served as a reporter for "The Today Show" and was Washington Bureau Chief for NBC.
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