Excise the last 35 pp., which are footnotes and sources, and what remains is a rather compressed study of a major network and its history. Regular listeners of NPR will resonate with McCauley's references to specific programs and announcers (including photos) throughout the years as well as be reminded of the controversies, obstacles, challenges, political attacks that have dogged a public network whose goal of being "a civilized voice in a civilized community"--a clear alternative to the commercial media--will strike many as a resounding success. Others may find such a stated goal as overly modest, especially for a network that also acts as an impartial, unbiased "window" unto the world at large and at home--offering information and entertainment that is far more diverse and universal that what the word "civilized" has (unfortunately) come to signify in modern "populist" America. And, of course, some on the fringes will be determined to see the book as more "leftist propaganda" from a liberal voice among the insidious forces that presumably control the media (fortunately, the absurdity of that last statement is recognized by most thoughtful Americans for what it is).
I may be more than a little Pollyannaish with that statement. During their respective post-election press conferences on Nov. 3, our contrite President said he planned to work for consensus, assuring the American people: "I do believe there is hope for civility; I also believe there is hope for progress." The vindictive Senate minority leader, on the other hand, said: "The American people have made their wishes clear. Our top priority for the next two years should be to deny President Obama a 2nd term. The people we elected tried to dismantle the free market. We will stop the liberal onslaught." While the President indicated he would "sit down with the Congressional leaders" to address problems like the deficit, jobs and taxes on the middle class, the Senate minority leader said flatly said they would work harder to ensure taxes are be raised on nobody and that if the administration wants cooperation, "it will have to move in our direction." Going up against that kind of righteousness, power of manipulation (for example, selling the 9/11 and Iraq connection as "truth"), and unlimited corporate coffers, it would be difficult for some of us as readers to be as civil and well-mannered in our reportage as the author. In fact, in today's political climate it might seem difficult to understate the threats to the survival of NPR.
In brief, readers should not expect a conclusive argument on behalf of NPR or a blueprint for public radio's future. The book is meant to inform, not provoke. McCauley measures his language carefully and makes certain that any reportage of events and facts as well as personal claims are fully supportable. Still, like some other reviewers, I would welcome more specifics about NPR's precise connection with its sponsors and benefactors, if only to refute the old and lingering allegations of "liberal bias" or, for that matter, to suggest ways of divorcing the network from such vested interests, be they commercial or political.
Still, the book provides exactly what the title promises, which should be sufficient to satisfy the majority of curious readers. If McCauley seems too cautious for some, too hesitant to come out with opinions--ranging from indictments to a list of proposed changes--that extra measure of care--of "civility," if you will--might be seen as a reflection of how NPR has gone about its business since the beginning--whether during the friendliest, most prosperous of times or during years that might be characterized as economically hard and politically fractious. The book provides a calm and rational, civilized and somewhat circumspect history and overview while still casting an undeniably positive light on NPR, its history, its dynamic role in the present, and its potential to be an ever stronger, more vital servant of an expanding national and international community. While keeping the listener abreast of the times, NPR still manages to remain a reliable "media bulwark," standing for abiding truths and values in a digitalized "mediascape" that can change faster than some of us can (or care to) follow.
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