NPR is one of the nation’s premiere, indispensable, and essential news organizations. Having said that, with no real competition in the world of radio news (in this country), its anchors, hosts and reporters can often sound as if they are living in a closed bubble, fortified by $6 lattes and bottles from the NPR Wine club.
There’s a new book out on the history of the network and specifically the role four women played in turning it into the American institution it is today.
Susan, Linda, Nina and Cokie: The Extraordinary Story of the Founding Mothers of NPR, by Lisa Napoli, chronicles the life and NPR careers of Susan Stamberg, Linda Wertheimer, Nina Totenberg, and Cokie Roberts. Three of the four still work full time, or as contributors, to the network. Stamberg is such a part of NPR’s DNA that hers is the voice you hear on the elevator at network headquarters in Washington, D.C.
