Nina Totenberg, Linda Wertheimer and Cokie Roberts, photographed around 1979, were among the prominent female voices on NPR in its early years.

Nina Totenberg, Linda Wertheimer and Cokie Roberts, photographed around 1979, were among the prominent female voices on NPR in its early years.

Journalism lost a trailblazing voice yesterday. Cokie Roberts, who covered Congress for NPR beginning in the 1970s and later joined ABC News, passed away at the age of 75. 

Schooled early in political rivalries and genteel Southern manners, Roberts became a legendary reporter and best-selling author. On Second Thought spoke with Scott Simon, host of NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday, to ask about his longtime colleague and friend.

On Second Thought host Virginia Prescott speaks with Scott Simon.

"It's very hard to lose that voice and her presence in our lives," Simon said. "I was greatly flattered to be in the mildest way associated with [Cokie Roberts, Nina Totenberg, Linda Wertheimer, and Susan Stamberg], because they made us. They made the sound of NPR. They made the signature credibility of NPR. They made the distinct and original voice of NPR apparent to people."

 

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Cokie Roberts was one of NPR's most recognizable voices and is considered one of a handful of pioneering female journalists who helped shape the public broadcaster's sound and culture. She died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019..

Cokie Roberts was one of NPR's most recognizable voices and is considered one of a handful of pioneering female journalists who helped shape the public broadcaster's sound and culture. She died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019.. / NPR

Tags: ABC News  Scott Simon  Cokie Roberts  NPR  political reporting  congress  journalism  Atlanta  Georgia  Macon