Studs Terkel:
Chicago's "Everyman"

McCarthyism, prevalent in the 1950s, saw the U.S. government making accusations of communism against American citizens in a variety of fields including entertainment. Many individuals were called to testify in front of Congress to prove their patriotism resulting in the ruination of many a career. Terkel, speaking out against the blacklisting of individuals without substantial proof, was himself shunned, thought to be a communist. His program was forced from the airwaves. Steady work eluded him until 1952 when he joined Chicago radio station WFMT as a morning disc jockey and conversationalist.