In the 1970s, Susan Stamberg, Linda Wertheimer, Nina Totenberg, and Cokie Roberts fought for their place in journalism and, in doing so, built National Public Radio into one of the most trusted news institutions in America.

Founding Mothers explores their groundbreaking contributions, struggles in a male-dominated industry, and how their work transformed public radio into a powerful force for truth and accountability.

But their success was hard-won. From financial instability to political scrutiny, NPR faced challenges at every turn. Today, the network is again at a crossroads, navigating declining listener trust, accusations of bias, and the rapidly evolving media landscape. Founding Mothers juxtaposes NPR’s groundbreaking past with its uncertain future, asking urgent questions about the role of journalism in a polarized democracy.

Blending rich archival footage, intimate present-day interviews, and visually striking motion design, Founding Mothers brings these pioneering women’s voices to life while examining the state of media today. Directed by Academy Award nominee Andrea Nevins, the film captures the legacy of NPR’s founding women and the ongoing fight to keep journalism independent, relevant, accurate, and accessible to all.