Interview with Robert Coram, March 4, 2013

Bill Shipp interviews journalist and writer Robert Coram. Robert Coram recalls working on Cumberland Island first as a caretaker and then a park ranger. He comments on the preservation of Georgia's barrier islands and shark fishing. Coram discusses his involvement with covering the war on drugs, including the development of the drug trafficking industry, the ineffectiveness of the war on drugs, the potential legalization of drugs, and Coram's novels regarding drugs. Coram discusses his biographies of military figures including Bud Day and Col. Scott "Flying Tiger". He recalls serving as press secretary for Carl Sanders' 1970 reelection campaign. Coram comments on desegregation, Carter's campaign, the Atlanta Hawks' champagne photo, and Larry Lloyd. Coram reflects on Georgia's shift from being an overwhelmingly Democratic to an overwhelmingly Republican state, Carter's presidential administration, and his current work. Coram comments on the political management of the Georgia barrier islands, including topics of mass tourism, littering, Camden County's request for a bridge, and the undeveloped islands serving as a monument to robber barons. He expands on his knowledge of drug culture, the Turks and Caicos, and his Esquire magazine article. Coram discusses his experience with "cowboy journalism" and his experience as an advocate versus as a reporter.

Robert Coram was twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for his work as a reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is the author of seven novels and four nonfiction books, including American Patriot: The Life and Wars of Colonel Bud Day and Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War. He lives in Atlanta.

2013-03-04

RBRL175OHD-018

50 minutes