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Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: From Nixon to Carter (1969-1980)

BBC Radio 4

From America’s great hope after Nixon’s election victory, to disillusionment after Watergate through to President Carter’s election. A fascinating social, cultural and political history of American life, through the words of British-American journalist and broadcaster, Alastair Cooke (1908 – 2004).

317 - Watergate investigators and Nixon

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317 - Watergate investigators and Nixon
Speculation, suspicion and compromise. Demands, resignations and black clouds over President Nixon's refusal to assist the Watergate investigators.
Fri, 26 Oct 1973
316 - The inauguration of Gerald Ford as Vice President, 1973
A lack of procedure for the events following the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew, and the promotion of Gerald Ford from House Minority Leader to Vice President.
Fri, 19 Oct 1973
315 - Nixon's Watergate speech, 1973
The speech that President Nixon had hoped would sink the Watergate scandal once and for all fails to hit its target, according to polling.
Sat, 25 Aug 1973
314 - Watergate: Nixon's changing stories, 1973
A question of clarity. A week of presidential explanation, in the guise of polysyllabic obfuscation, over the Watergate scandal.
Sat, 26 May 1973
313 - Sam Ervin and Watergate
Watergate - Nixon's admirers in the Kremlin, and how the tenacious lawyer Senator Sam Ervin of North Carolina challenged Nixon.
Sat, 19 May 1973
312 - Watergate reporting
Trial by the press: is the tidal wave of Watergate reporting drowning the 'not guilty' pleas of all the president's men?
Sat, 12 May 1973
311 - Watergate hearings 1973
Can the Watergate hearings restore the faith of the people in a system of government that has taken so many beatings?
Sat, 05 May 1973
310 - Roe v Wade
Where next for Vietnam, as 18 years of savage fighting comes to an end? And the Supreme Court rules on abortion for all in Roe v Wade.
Sat, 27 Jan 1973
309 - President Truman (1884–1972)
President Truman's life, his Missouri farm childhood, his war service, and how his political skills and achievements may have been overlooked by his critics.
Sat, 30 Dec 1972
308 - Richard Nixon re-elected President, 1972
Nixon's landslide victory, how close he came to winning in 1960, and why middle class Americans have been moving to the right as they have fled the city centres for the suburbs.
Sat, 11 Nov 1972
307 - American reactions to Bloody Sunday, 1972
American reaction to claims of British brutality in Northern Ireland, and an early glimpse into the Kennedy clan.
Sat, 05 Feb 1972
306 - Taiwan and China
Taiwan is out, and China in – why the change of seats in the UN General Assembly is much more than musical chairs.
Sat, 30 Oct 1971
305 - Art Buchwald
The wit and wisdom of Art Buchwald, political satirist and columnist for the Washington Post and a modern day Jonathan Swift.
Sat, 18 Sep 1971
304 - Louis Armstrong
A tribute to trumpeter Louis Armstrong (1901-1971), his life and music, and how attitudes to jazz have changed since Cooke's teenage years in Blackpool.
Sat, 10 Jul 1971
303 - Veteran's Day 1970
Dishonouring the dead: the sad scenes at New York's Hunter College, when acts of Veteran's Day remembrance turned into political stances, and forgot the victims of war.
Sat, 14 Nov 1970
302 - The atom bomb warning of 1939
How Roosevelt was warned of Germany's nuclear threat by two Hungarian refugees from Long Island in 1939, thanks to a boy who liked fishing.
Sat, 08 Aug 1970
301 - The My Lai massacre revealed, 1969
The American reaction to hearing of the horror of the Son My massacre (My Lai) in Vietnam, and parallels with Hiroshima and the Allied devastation of Dresden.
Sun, 30 Nov 1969
300 - Chrysler financial crisis deepens
Auto workers call on Reagan's help as jobs are threatened by Chrysler cash crisis.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 26 Dec 1980
299 - Haig joins Cabinet
Nixon's top aide is offered senior post - but the hearings on his fitness to serve could be damaging. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 19 Dec 1980
298 - John Lennon’s assassination
The shooting of John Lennon on the 8th December 1980 sparks a debate over the need for national gun control law in America.
Fri, 12 Dec 1980
297 - The waiting game
Hostages and the growing Polish crisis will prove to be among Reagan's first presidential headaches.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 05 Dec 1980
296 - Reagan's charm offensive
President-elect Reagan wins over Washington with his charm offensive. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 28 Nov 1980
295 - Reagan's political honeymoon
President-elect Reagan turns his honeymoon period into a Washington courtship ritual.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 21 Nov 1980
294 - Why the pollsters got it wrong
Humiliation for pollsters who made completely wrong call on the presidential election.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 14 Nov 1980
293 - Ronald Reagan’s victory, 1980
As Ronald Reagan wins the 1980 US presidential election, Alistair Cooke reflects on the causes of Jimmy Carter's downfall.
Fri, 07 Nov 1980
292 - The World Series gets the vote, 1980
The World Series gets the popular vote while the presidential candidates get mean with each other.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 17 Oct 1980
291 - The book-selling business
How the book-selling business creates a bestseller from a book which isn't selling.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 10 Oct 1980
290 - Independents switch to Reagan
Campaign sees Carter's support slipping as independent voters switch to Reagan.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 03 Oct 1980
289 - Candidates claim victory in TV debate
Polls will chart Carter's performance in TV debate while the other two candidates both claim victory.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 26 Sep 1980
288 - Small car sales boom
US car makers to concentrate on making smaller cars as sale of thrifty foreign imports boom.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 19 Sep 1980
287 - Candidates consider TV debate
Three-way TV debate for presidential candidates could leave Carter at a disadvantage.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 12 Sep 1980
286 - American know-how
America's lead in the technological revolution has been lost during the past thirty years as Europe and the Far East steam ahead.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 05 Sep 1980
285 - Energy assistance bill
Surprise swing of Republican voting in favour of the cold north over energy assistance bill.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 29 Aug 1980
284 - America's Electoral College
Why size matters when it comes to vote-counting by the US Electoral College.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 22 Aug 1980
283 - Jimmy Carter is nominated for re-election
Edward Kennedy makes the best speech of his career at the Democratic Party conference, after losing his challenge for the party's nomination to incumbent President Jimmy Carter.
Fri, 15 Aug 1980
282 - Covering the 1980 presidential campaign
Cooke looks back at his own coverage of previous Democratic nomination campaigns including Truman and Dewey in 1948; and the current battle between Jimmy Carter and Edward Kennedy.
Fri, 08 Aug 1980
281 - Carter ratings lowest ever
Democrat convention faces disarray over lowest-ever popularity ratings by sitting President Carter.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 01 Aug 1980
280 - Bush to be Reagan's running mate
Ford loses out to Bush as running mate for Reagan in race for the White House.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 25 Jul 1980
279 - Reagan wins Republican nomination
Republican convention endorses the nomination of 70-year-old Ronald Reagan as its presidential candidate.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 18 Jul 1980
278 - Row over abortion ruling
Ruling over whether abortions should be state-funded is likely to spark further equal rights amendments. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 11 Jul 1980
277 - The Supreme Court
Alistair Cooke reflects on the wide-ranging functions of the US Supreme Court which has ultimate jurisdiction in America and takes its authority from the US Constitution.
Fri, 04 Jul 1980
276 - Unemployment looms in Hollywood
As the recession begins to bite, even Hollywood is facing the prospect of rising unemployment. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 27 Jun 1980
275 - Isao Aoki, golfing hero
Unusual technique of Japanese champion Isao Aoki gives hope to millions of golfing duffers.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 20 Jun 1980
274 - Carter's visits fail to ignite campaign
President Carter's flying visits to crisis-torn areas seen only as political and fail to boost his standing.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 13 Jun 1980
273 - Republicans solid for Reagan
For once, the Republican party is solidly united for one candidate while the Democrats lose backing for both Carter and Kennedy.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 06 Jun 1980
272 - Puerto Rican immigration
The 1950s flood of Puerto Ricans to New York should act as a warning over the new arrivals from Cuba. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 30 May 1980
271 - Mount St Helens erupts
Mount St Helens eruption blights farming across north and west while the southern state of Florida erupts into race riots over Cuban refugee influx.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 23 May 1980
270 - Car sales slump
Massive slump in US-made car sales signals recession is biting.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 16 May 1980
269 - Recession may finish Carter
Recession timing bad for Carter's hopes of a second term. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 09 May 1980
268 - Why Vance quit
Point of principle lay behind resignation of Secretary of State Cyrus Vance following secrecy over hostage rescue attempt.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 02 May 1980
267 - Iranian hostage rescue attempt, 1980
How will President Carter's failed attempt to rescue the Americans being held hostage by Iran affect the forthcoming election?
Fri, 25 Apr 1980
266 - Kennedy's last stand
Senator Kennedy talks tough as he faces last major showdown in the Democrats' primaries. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 18 Apr 1980
265 - New York transport strike
Bargaining details behind the transport strike which has left New York train-free for days.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 11 Apr 1980
264 - Extension of primary elections
Bid to curb power of the party bosses led to extension of primary elections - with the result that this year's presidential race faces 38 primaries. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 04 Apr 1980
263 - Kennedy's brief triumph
Surprise at Senator Kennedy's landslide win at the New York Democrat primary.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 28 Mar 1980
262 - Illinois crucial in presidential race
Why the Illinois 'beauty contest' is so important to those aiming for the White House in a presidential election year.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 21 Mar 1980
261 - Inflation fuels alarm over policies
President Carter not suffering primary defeats, despite fears over raging inflation. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor. . Programme recording incomplete.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 14 Mar 1980
260 - Foreign policy wobbles
New foreign policy wobble as US cites 'mistake' on voting intentions over Israel. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 07 Mar 1980
259 - Iran hostage crisis goes on
Iran refuses negotiation attempt over US hostages the country is holding.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 29 Feb 1980
258 - New Hampshire, the political weathervane
Why the weather is a factor in the New Hampshire primary 'beauty contest' stakes. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 22 Feb 1980
257 - Carter's ultimatum under fire
President Carter's Olympic boycott threat over Soviet invasion comes under fire. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 15 Feb 1980
256 - The Canadian Caper in Tehran, 1979
America shows gratitude to Canada after it was revealed that the Canadian embassy in Tehran rescued six US diplomats during the seizure of the US embassy on 4th November 1979.
Fri, 08 Feb 1980
255 - Carter steals rivals' thunder
President Carter's annual speech turns into a 'state of the world' triumph. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 01 Feb 1980
254 - UN vote condemns Soviets
Hopes that massive UN vote against Soviet invasion could sway diplomatic solution. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 25 Jan 1980
253 - Call for Olympics boycott
President Carter considers pros and cons of boycotting the coming summer Olympics in Moscow. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 18 Jan 1980
252 - Carter boosts arms budget
Carter changes liberal policy re arms spending following Russian invasion of Afghanistan.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 11 Jan 1980
251 - Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
Russia's invasion of Afghanistan shakes President Carter's belief in détente.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 04 Jan 1980
250 - Iran sanctions stalled in UN
American patience eroding over slow-moving resolution to hostage crisis.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 28 Dec 1979
249 - Cambodian refugee crisis
Cambodian refugees face starvation as Russian- and Chinese-backed regimes block humanitarian aid.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 21 Dec 1979
248 - US and Iran
Need for oil wipes out any backing for US response to Khomeini's takeover of Iran.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 14 Dec 1979
247 - Public back Carter on hostage crisis
Kennedy blasts Shah while public back President Carter's careful handling of the hostage crisis.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 07 Dec 1979
246 - Bungle claim over Iran hostage crisis
Carter now accused of 'bungling' decision to allow Shah into US for medical treatment, prompting hostage seizure.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 30 Nov 1979
245 - American embassy hostages stalemate
Diplomacy rendered impotent by success of Iran's terrorist seizure of US hostages.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 23 Nov 1979
244 - Tehran hostage crisis
President Carter's standing as statesman rises after response to Tehran hostage crisis.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 16 Nov 1979
243 - Pork barrel politics
President Carter uses presidential patronage to counter Kennedy's challenge for leadership.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 09 Nov 1979
242 - Interest rates rise
Interest rates rise to 15% amid worldwide claims of 'economic nationalism' by the US.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 02 Nov 1979
241 - No more nukes
Anti-nuclear power protests strengthen in wake of Three Mile Island accident.
The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 26 Oct 1979
240 - New York Times mistake
Mistaking a neutron for a neutrino, the New York Times has to apologise for its reporting of the Nobel Prize; and marking the death of Uncle Tom, actor Clarence Muse.
Fri, 19 Oct 1979
239 - A common language?
The many differences between the American and English languages.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 12 Oct 1979
238 - Pope John Paul II's visit
The national rejoicing during Pope John Paul II's visit to the US, the biography of the Pope, and Catholicism in America.
Fri, 05 Oct 1979
237 - Dubious poll results
Doubt cast on polls which give widely differing results of President Carter's standing with the general voter.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 28 Sep 1979
236 - Jean Seberg and the FBI, 1979
The detestable confession that confirms that the actress Jean Seberg's life was destroyed by J Edgar Hoover's 'dirty tricks' branch of the FBI.
Fri, 21 Sep 1979
235 - Soviet troops in Cuba
Arrival of 3,000 Soviet troops in Cuba seen as provocation to US and could stall SALT talks.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 14 Sep 1979
234 - Dalai Lama visits US
No official recognition for Dalai Lama's first visit to US.
Fri, 07 Sep 1979
233 - Murder of Lord Mountbatten
Murder of Lord Mountbatten prompts need for clearer understanding of the Irish troubles among US voters.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 31 Aug 1979
232 - Stagnant economy warning
US Congress warns of economic stagnation as productivity declines.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 24 Aug 1979
231 - Young's final diplomacy
Resigning Andrew Young's last act of diplomacy before leaving his UN ambassadorial role.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 17 Aug 1979
230 - Small earthquake in 'Frisco
Small San Francisco earthquake sparks big headlines. Small announcement of Irish peace talks sparks Whitehall annoyance.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 10 Aug 1979
229 - The politics of plain speaking
President Carter talks to the people on US tour, and shows why, when times are tough, it pays to speak plainly.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 03 Aug 1979
228 - Carter reshuffles his team
Carter reshuffles his closest advisers amid speculation he is preparing his election campaign team.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 27 Jul 1979
227 - Cabinet resignation call
Carter calls for US Cabinet resignations in bid for fresh thinking.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 20 Jul 1979
226 - Skylab crash lands
US Skylab crash lands into ocean after Western Australia fears of impact.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 13 Jul 1979
225 - Carter silent on oil crisis
Lost for words? President Carter cancels planned nationwide TV speech on oil crisis.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 06 Jul 1979
224 - Gromyko's threat to SALT treaty
US Senate fury over Soviet foreign minister Gromyko's threat to sink SALT treaty.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 29 Jun 1979
223 - The murder of Bill Stewart in Nicaragua, 1979
Seeing Bill Stewart, a news reporter, shot dead in Nicaragua in front of TV cameras, brings home the horror to Americans.
Fri, 22 Jun 1979
222 - John Wayne obituary, 1979
Remembering John Wayne, the actor who came to stand for something fundamentally good - and American.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 15 Jun 1979
221 - Pope visits Poland
Pope John Paul II returns to his Polish homeland.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 08 Jun 1979
220 - O.J.Simpson, sports star
The 20,000-to-1 chance of becoming a black sports star like O.J.Simpson.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 01 Jun 1979
219 - Harvey Milk killing
Gay outrage at lenient sentence for killer of Harvey Milk.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 25 May 1979
218 - Petrol shortage in US
Nationwide petrol shortage blamed on US oil companies.
The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Fri, 18 May 1979