NPR : the trials and triumphs of National Public Radio / Michael P. McCauley.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McCauley, Michael P., 1958-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

National Public Radio (U.S.).

Public radio--United States.

Public radio.

Radio broadcasters--United States.

Radio broadcasters.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (217 p.)

Place of Publication:

New York : Columbia University Press, c2005.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The people who shaped America's public broadcasting system thought it should be "a civilized voice in a civilized community"-a clear alternative to commercial broadcasting. This book tells the story of how NPR has tried to embody this idea. Michael P. McCauley describes NPR's evolution from virtual obscurity in the early 1970's, when it was riddled with difficulties-political battles, unseasoned leadership, funding problems-to a first-rate broadcast organization. The book draws on a wealth of primary evidence, including fifty-seven interviews with people who have been central to the NPR story, and it places the network within the historical context of the wider U.S. radio industry. Since the late 1970's, NPR has worked hard to understand the characteristics of its audience. Because of this, its content is now targeted toward its most loyal listeners-highly educated baby-boomers, for the most part-who help support their local stations through pledges and fund drives.

Contents:

Front matter

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

1. A Lyceum of the Airwaves

2. The Very First Brush Strokes

3. The Price of Fame

4. Phoenix Rising

5. A Civilized Voice in a New Media Environment

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [161]-175) and index.

ISBN:

9780231509954

0231509952

OCLC:

818856071