New York Times radio critic Jack Gould writes that the two days of broadcasting on the subway and possible fare increase "demonstrated the tremendous part which radio can play in making the solution of government issues of direct concern to the individual citizen...It was most akin to an exciting Town Meeting of the pioneer day and represented a capital public service for which the city's outlet, WNYC, well may be proud." Variety says the broadcast is "one of the greatest mass civic lessons in the history of radio" and calls WNYC "the most intelligently operated non-commercial radio station in America".

"Last February Mayor O'Dwyer decided to hold hearings in the Board of Estimate Chambers on the subject of New York City's knotty transportation problem. The hearings lasted two days and two nights and concerned one of the most important issues before the people of that city- the nickel subway fare. WNYC broadcast the entire hearings in which hundreds of representatives of various organizations, as well as individuals themselves, appeared before the city station microphones to express their views of this issue. The FCC authorized the stations to remain on air past the usual sign-off time. The problem is clarified and taken direct to the public with an original idea of the public servant talking to the people direct. Reception of the program is good."--1947 Peabody Digest. This is a portion of the transit hearings.

WNYC archives id: 50219