August 13, 1961

For much of the Cold War, RIAS -- Radio In the American Sector -- was West Berlin's communication lifeline with the non-communist world. Founded by the U.S. government in 1946 as DIAS (Wire Broadcasting In the American Sector), RIAS gave Berliners news and entertainment.

RIAS covered many Berlin-based Cold War events, including the 1953 revolt in East Berlin and the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961.

Listen as RIAS reporter Erich Nieswandt gives his on-the-scene account of the Wall's construction, as well as reaction from onlookers in West Berlin.

The report, in German, is accompanied by an English text translation. (Windows Media Player required)