Born in Aurora, Indiana, Elmer Davis graduated magna cum laude from Franklin College, and was a Rhodes Scholar. His journalism career began in print and included 10 years at the New York Times before joining CBS News in 1939. His evening news and commentary program drew an audience of 12-1/2 million listeners. During WWII he headed the Office of War Information in Washington, afterward returning to broadcasting with ABC News for another 8 years. In retirement he authored two books. Davis died May 18, 1958.