Susan, Linda, Nina, & Cokie: The Extraordinary Story of the Founding Mothers of NPR by Lisa Napoli (2021 group biography)

It seems fitting in a time when the very existence of NPR and PBS is being questioned to read the historical beginnings of these important public stations. Even after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it was hard for women to find jobs other than secretarial in the workplace. If there was a token woman in the office, that was all that was needed. Especially in the news business, women were rarely hired. In the preface to the book, an NBC network radio executive in 1964 is quoted as saying: Many women may be fine in everyday conversation but put them in front of a microphone – and a camera as well – and something happens to them. They become affected, overdramatic, high-pitched . . . But with a man you seldom have this problem. However, when National Public Radio was established in the 1970’s, a new opportunity opened for women and these four jumped into the new world with both feet. Susan Stamberg was the first woman to anchor a nightly news program. Linda Wertheimer, having won a National Merit Scholarship, left New Mexico for Wellesley and later an exchange program introduced her to the BBC, which gave her an edge for a radio job back in the USA. Nina Totenberg started out as the only staff writer to a minor newsletter and eventually was assigned to the legal beat. Cokie Roberts was the daughter of Representative Hale Boggs of Louisiana and eventually made her way to NPR. Each of these women faced gender discrimination in finding work in the new industry. The story of their challenges, successes, and lasting friendships makes this book fascinating to read.

Reviewed by Robin Olivier