November 23

Born in Michigan in 1862, Crippen trained as a homeopathic physician and moved to London in the 1890s. He gained notoriety when his wife, Cora, disappeared and he fled with his secretary, Ethel Le Neve. They were arrested aboard the SS Montrose after a wireless telegraph message alerted authorities to their escape. Tried at the Old Bailey, Crippen was found guilty of murder and was hanged at Pentonville Prison on November 23, 1910. His case became one of the first to be influenced by forensic evidence and wireless communication.

A member of the Irish Republican Army during the Irish Civil War, O'Sullivan was interned by the Free State government. In October 1923, he joined a protest hunger strike at the Curragh Camp to demand better treatment and release of political prisoners. After more than 40 days without food, he died on November 23, 1923, becoming a symbol of Republican resistance. His sacrifice is remembered in Irish history as part of the broader struggle for independence. Despite scant personal records, his story endures as an emblem of the hunger-strike tradition in Ireland.

Mohamed Amin (1943–1996) was a Kenyan photographer and journalist whose reportage brought global attention to crises in Africa. He co-founded the Pan African News Agency and captured iconic footage during the Ethiopian famine of the 1980s. Amin's work for international outlets like the BBC spurred humanitarian aid efforts through stark visual storytelling. He covered wars and refugee movements across the continent, earning him international acclaim and awards. His mobile darkroom allowed him to process images on the spot, revolutionizing African photojournalism. Amin's legacy lives on through his pioneering role in elevating African voices in world media.

A former schoolteacher, Whitehouse founded the National Viewers' and Listeners' Association in 1965 to protest what she saw as the moral decline of British broadcasting. Her persistent letters, public speeches, and private meetings with BBC executives brought issues of language, sex, and violence into national debate. Whitehouse successfully influenced programming standards and sparked government inquiries into broadcast content. She became a polarizing figure, admired by those seeking traditional values and criticized by others as a censor. Her campaigns spanned from the 1960s through the 1980s, leaving a complex legacy on media regulation in the UK. Whitehouse's work continues to shape discussions about censorship and public morality in broadcasting.

Franklin began his broadcasting career in the 1960s and rose to fame at Cleveland's WWWE, where his show blended sports analysis with sharp commentary. His brash, opinionated style and willingness to take calls from listeners set the template for modern sports talk radio. Franklin's program became one of the highest-rated radio shows in the country during the 1970s and 1980s. He coined memorable catchphrases and cultivated a dedicated audience drawn to his fearless debates. After leaving Cleveland, he continued to work in radio across the United States, mentoring a generation of sports broadcasters. Franklin's impact on talk radio is still felt in the format and presentation of today's sports programs.

Born in 1936, Blancornelas began his career in print journalism before co-founding Zeta magazine in Tijuana in 1977. Under his leadership, Zeta became one of Mexico's most influential outlets for hard-hitting investigative reporting. Blancornelas fearlessly covered drug cartels, political scandals, and human rights abuses despite frequent threats and censorship attempts. In 1997 he survived an assassination attempt that left a bullet permanently lodged in his spine, an event that only strengthened his resolve. His work inspired a generation of journalists in Mexico to pursue fearless reporting on issues of public interest. Blancornelas passed away in 2006, leaving a legacy of journalistic integrity and courage.

Clarke built his reputation over three decades at the BBC, contributing to programs such as The World at One and BBC Radio 4's Today. Known for his affable demeanor and incisive questioning, he conducted interviews with leading politicians, authors, and public figures. Clarke also presented the weekly review show Front Row, showcasing his versatility across news and cultural broadcasting. His career was celebrated for bringing clarity and humanity to complex issues for listeners. In 2006, Clarke's sudden death from cancer was widely mourned by colleagues and audiences alike. His legacy lives on in the standards of professionalism and compassion he set for broadcast journalism.

Alexander Litvinenko served as an FSB agent before fleeing Russia in 1998 and settling in the United Kingdom. He became a vocal critic of the Kremlin, co-authoring books that alleged high-level corruption and human rights abuses. In 2006, he mysteriously fell ill and was later discovered to have been poisoned with radioactive polonium-210, drawing international attention. His death sparked inquiries into state-sponsored assassination, highlighting the risks faced by dissidents. Litvinenko’s case remains one of the most notorious instances of political poisoning in recent history.

Joe Esposito was Elvis Presley's road manager for over two decades, handling logistics, travel arrangements, and personal affairs for the King of Rock 'n' Roll. He co-founded Elvis Presley Enterprises and played a key role in preserving Presley's Graceland estate after his death. Esposito authored several books detailing his experiences and insights into Presley's life and career. He advised on film and television projects about Elvis, ensuring authenticity and respect for his legacy. His dedication and close friendship with Presley provided an unparalleled insider's look at one of music history's most iconic stars.