Reporter's Notebook: On this day in 1933, FDR's first fireside chat reached 60 million people, explaining his bold plans and fostering trust. He believed that understanding, not just compliance, was key to gaining the public’s support during tough times. | CBS Evening News

President Franklin Roosevelt revolutionized the use of the radio. He used a series of 31 “fireside chats” to reach into millions of American homes to discuss international and domestic challenges. He believed that an informed nation would make the right choices. Roosevelt rarely spoke directly about Adolf Hitler and never mentioned the persecution of European Jews during these chats. Instead, FDR prioritized recovery from the Great Depression and concerns regarding US involvement in World War II