OPERATION MOCKINGBIRD: Wisner ran"Wisner's Wurlitzer"- his term for the CIA's ability to play the media like an organ. He cultivated relationships with publishers, editors, and journalists at major outlets including The Washington Post, The New York Times, and CBS.

MEDIA CONTROL: Under Wisner, the CIA placed stories, suppressed unfavorable coverage, and used journalists for intelligence gathering. He bragged that he could make the media play any tune he wanted.

COVERT OPERATIONS: As head of the Office of Policy Coordination and later Deputy Director for Plans, Wisner directed major covert operations including coups in Iran (1953) and Guatemala (1954).

PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE: Established Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty as CIA propaganda outlets. Funded intellectual and cultural organizations as part of the cultural Cold War.

HUNGARIAN TRAGEDY: Wisner's Radio Free Europe broadcasts encouraged the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, implying U.S. support. When the Soviets crushed the uprising and the U.S. did nothing, Wisner reportedly never recovered from the guilt.

MENTAL BREAKDOWN: After Hungary, Wisner suffered a severe mental breakdown. He underwent electroshock therapy and was eventually forced to retire from the CIA.

SUICIDE: On October 29, 1965, Wisner died by suicide, shooting himself with a shotgun at his farm. Friends attributed his death to the psychological toll of his covert work.

LEGACY: Wisner established the template for CIA media manipulation that continues today. The revolving door between intelligence agencies and media, the use of"former"officials as commentators, and coordinated narratives all trace to his innovations.