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NPR

The Trials and Triumphs of National Public Radio

Michael McCauley author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Columbia University Press

Published:24th Jun '05

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

NPR cover

This book tells the story of how NPR has tried to provide an alternative to commercial broadcasting. McCauley describes NPR's evolution from virtual obscurity in the early 1970s, when it was riddled with difficulties to the present. The book draws on a wealth of primary evidence, including interviews with people who have been central to the NPR story. It also looks at how the network's content is now targeted toward its most loyal listeners-highly educated baby-boomers-who help support their local stations through pledges.

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.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 1970s, 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 1970s, 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.

In a highly readable work, McCauley offers a well-documented look at the people of NPR. -- Johanna Cleary American Journalism A book worth reading. Recommended. Choice [A] valuable contribution to the historiography of radio. -- David Dzikowski The Communication Review

ISBN: 9780231121606

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

216 pages