On Air: The Triumph and Tumult of NPR

Many radio listeners know that NPR means “National Public Radio.” Fewer know that NPR is a public radio network that was created by an act of Congress in 1970 to be a noncommercial alternative to the commercial radio broadcasters. In this book 14 years in the making, journalist Oney (And the Dead Shall Rise: The Murder of Mary Phagan and the Lynching of Leo Frank) traces the history of NPR from its creation through the 21st century and discusses key figures, like legendary on-air talents Bob Edwards, Susan Stamberg, Ira Glass, and Cokie Roberts, as well as executives with less name recognition. Oney also explores how NPR became the massive multimedia news network it is today, including the creation of This American Life and its entry into podcasting. Nor does Oney shy away from reporting on NPR’s controversies, like the firing of Juan Williams and the larger issue of federal funding for a news network that reports on the government. Oney got interviews with seemingly everyone who had a relevant opinion or anecdote about NPR; because of these plentiful interviews, the book’s index will be a vital tool for readers.