Book Review: On Air: The Triumph and Tumult of NPR by Steve Oney
From the first page of On Air: The Triumph and Tumult of NPR, I was irresistibly drawn in—not just by the fascinating history of a beloved institution, but by the personal connections I felt with the material. As a long-time listener and supporter of NPR, Steve Oney’s meticulously researched narrative hit close to home, particularly when he addressed the controversies I experienced during my time on the Board of Directors. It’s rare to find a book that invites you into its folds with such accuracy, and Oney’s work does exactly that, offering readers both depth and insight.
At its core, On Air is a love letter and a candid autopsy of NPR’s journey from its idealistic beginnings in the early ’70s to the present-day media landscape. Oney chronicles the wild spirit of NPR’s early days, highlighting the ambitious, often chaotic lives of young reporters who pushed the envelope both on air and behind the scenes. The stories of founding figures such as Susan Stamberg and Cokie Roberts are particularly striking, presenting a timeline of significant change in a field often resistant to diversity. As Oney notes, these pioneering women did more than break barriers; they reshaped the narrative landscape of journalism.
The pacing of the book feels almost intoxicating. How can you not be captivated by the tantalizing tales of “everyone sleeping with everyone” and the open drug use that populated 2025 M Street? Oney describes a time when passion and creativity collided with reckless abandon, pulling readers into a world that was vibrant, flawed, and thoroughly human. Key excerpts, such as Deborah Amos’s vivid recounting of those days, do an admirable job of bringing the emotional reality of the era to life. An enthralling mix of authentic anecdotes and analytical insights, Oney’s writing is both lyrical and journalistic, marking a delicate balance between storytelling and historical documentation.
However, no piece is without its faults. I couldn’t help but feel a slight dissonance in the chapter dedicated to Ira Glass’s This American Life—an excellent narrative that, while captivating, strayed from NPR’s core as it emphasizes on a title I often associate with the network rather than a program exclusive to it. The absence of deeper dives into other pivotal NPR programs left me wanting, as Oney’s focus on certain figures occasionally overshadowed equally influential voices.
As the book wraps up, Oney draws a vivid parallel between NPR and an aging rebel—a network that has shaped an entire generation yet struggles to adapt to a rapidly changing world. This poignant observation resonated with me deeply, hinting at the bittersweet legacy of an institution that has given much to the democratic discourse yet is often caught in the throes of its own identity crisis.
I can wholeheartedly recommend On Air to anyone interested in the evolution of media, the trials and tribulations faced within a pioneering organization, or indeed, anyone who appreciates a well-told story replete with twists and turns. While I may have lived through some of the controversies chronicled, Oney’s narrative illuminated aspects I was unaware of, making for an enriching reading experience. This book does more than recount history; it reflects on the ongoing dialogue surrounding public media’s role in contemporary society—an essential conversation that I’m eager to share with fellow readers.
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