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WCFL, Chicago's Voice of Labor, 1926-78 (History of Communication)

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This book is a look at a noble attempt to bring the voice of organized labor to the public by way of broadcasting. In intricate detail, Godfried provides a history of the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) attempt to stake labor's claim for a place amid the commercial broadcasters. The story is a testament to Edward Nockles, the CFL secretary who had the vision and persistence to see his dream take form. Readers will gain insight into organized labor history, particularly the role of the American Federation of Labor in it's tepid support for WCFL and the apathetic response of Chicago unions as a whole to the radio station. Trying to get labor support while battling the broadcasting giants for a clear channel on the AM radio dial, Nockles emerges as a real hero for his refusal to give up. There were remarkable successes along the way but the war was a losing one almost from the start as WCFL was forced by economics to become little different from other radio stations. The book revels in the period of the 1920's, 30's and 40's then races to a close with the sale of WCFL by the CFL in 1978. This is appropriate because it was in those earlier years that the station came closest to being a voice for labor. Though longer than it needs to be, the book is a historical delight. Anyone who wonders how radio came to be as it is today will find this book a treasure. Anyone who believes that one individual cannot make a difference will find in the story of Edward Nockles a reason to think again. He was the heart and soul of "The Voice of Labor"