Helen Sioussat

Helen Sioussat was the daughter of Maurice Joseph Talleyrand Sioussat Born in Baltimore, she was orphaned at the age of seven and raised by her aunt. She graduated from Western High School and Goucher College and then pursued a varied career in business, holding roles such as secretary, dental assistant, business manager, and assistant treasurer. She also had a brief career as a professional dancer, lasting about a year. == Broadcasting career ==

Sioussat entered the broadcasting industry as an assistant to Phillips Lord, a renowned radio producer. Despite being one of approximately 200 applicants, she candidly admitted to having no experience or knowledge of radio and not even owning a radio receiver. When Lord offered her a starting salary of $50 per week, she negotiated for more, arguing that her lack of experience would make the job more challenging. Table Talk with Helen Sioussat was "the first question–and-answer discussion program on CBS." and its format worked well enough that it was essentially copied in later talk programs. == Other professional activities ==

Sioussat was a co-founder of American Women in Radio and Television, an organization to support female workers in media. She also wrote the book ''Mikes Don't Bite'' and wrote both the music and the lyrics for four songs. == Personal life ==

Sioussat was married twice and divorced twice by 1934. A feature article in The Baltimore Sun in 1953 described her as "an Elsa Maxwell type party-giver and party-goer". == Papers ==

Helen Sioussat papers are housed in the Library of American Broadcasting at the University of Maryland libraries. Donated in 1995, the collection includes citations, correspondence, financial records, manuscripts, photographs, press releases, transcripts, and other items. == References ==