Susan, Linda, Nina, & Cokie: The Extraordinary Story of the Founding Mothers of NPR

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In the years following the Civil Rights Act of 1964, women in the workplace faced significant barriers, particularly in the male-dominated news industry, often confined to secretarial roles or excluded from key positions. However, the emergence of National Public Radio in the 1970s began to change this landscape, allowing four extraordinary women to break through. Journalist Lisa Napoli recounts the inspiring stories of Susan, Linda, Nina, and Cokie, highlighting their strong friendships and the paths they forged to become icons in journalism. Each woman had a unique background: Cokie Roberts grew up in a political family, drawn to public service; Susan Stamberg, the first female anchor of a nightly news program, advocated for work-life balance after living in India; Linda Wertheimer, the daughter of New Mexico shopkeepers, earned a scholarship to pursue her dreams; and Nina Totenberg, the network's legal affairs correspondent, revolutionized coverage of the Supreme Court. Through extensive interviews and the author's connections in the industry, this account captures the essence and resilience of these formidable women.