Mayor Wagner on Blackout

The NYPR Archive Collections | Jan 1, 2000

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Reporter introduces context of the news conference: the mayor will address the press on the blackout. He is wearing a blue suit.

Mayor Wagner recounts in some detail the previous night in New York City during the famous "blackout" of November 9, 1965. Applauds performance of city workers and citizens. No serious incidents. Citizens and businesses are asked to curtail power use. Thumbnail reports from all departments. Mayor praises all who were involved as well as the people of New York City. Press conference follows. It was the greatest electrical failure in history and involved seven states and Ontario.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 5706
Municipal archives id: T1460

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

'It's chaos': LIRR commuters face shutdown, workarounds on first weekday of strike

The MTA says backup shuttle buses can carry only a fraction of regular LIRR riders.

Gothamist |

The History Wars and America at 250, with the Historian Jill Lepore

Three prominent historians discuss a national milestone arriving in the midst of a politically charged conflict over how Americans see the past. It’s a “goat rodeo,” Lepore says.

The New Yorker Radio Hour |

10-Question Quiz: American History

Author Kenneth C. Davis quizzes listeners on American history.

The Brian Lehrer Show |

Democrats make a run for Stefanik's seat

WNYC News |

On an off-Broadway stage, actors bring immigrant stories alive and spark public debate

Immigrants' stories have been unfolding on an off-Broadway stage in an uncommon way. One is of a doctor in her 40s who fled Zimbabwe. Another featured a Colombian woman who regretted leaving her homeland for the United States. A third entered into a marriage of convenience with an American after overstaying her visa, and then suffered a violent assault in the subway.