Wicker discusses the events at the center of his book, "A Time to Die: The Attica Prison Revolt." The discussion also covers Wicker's thoughts on his responsibility as a journalist to his fellow man. Both Wicker and Terkel read excerpts from the book. (includes excerpts from T2576, 1970 Nov. 20).

Johnson had recently released a book, "How to Talk Back to Your Television Set". Topics of conversation include the history and role of advertising in television and radio programming, and how advertising revenue influences the media. Emphasis is placed on cigarette advertising, which was particularly prevalent and controversial at the time of this interview.

Studs Terkel discusses television and advertising with Nicholas Johnson, Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission. Johnson had recently delivered a speech in Dubuque, IA about possibilities for the future of broadcasting, and had released a book a year prior, "How to Talk Back to Your Television Set". Topics of conversation include censorship, the role of advertising and corporate sponsorship of radio and television, and the hope and promise of public television.

Even though his life was threatened, when a young man told him his goal in life was to see Davis dead, Sergeant Garland Davis, continues to work in the youth crime division, in the hopes by be-friending the young people, they will do something positive with their lives. Davis also adds that the parents of these young people, along with the communities in which they live, play parts in the youths' behavior.

An officer with the Chicago department, Sergeant Garland Davis, talks about his presence in the community, in hoping that some of the young people he works with see him as a friend and not solely as a cop. Davis also talks about the priority being helping the youth before their lives take a wrong turn into a life of crime.

Robert Vaughn takes time out from his Drury Lane appearance in "Tender Trap" to discuss his new book "Only Victims" with Studs Terkel. The discussion spans the years 1938 when Martin Dies became the first House Committee on Unamerican Activities (HUAC) chairman to Vice President Spiro Agnew's condemnation of the "New York Times" and "Washington Post". Vaughn created the title of his book "Only Victims" from a Dalton Trumbo speech that reflected back on the era of HUAC as being one where there were no heroes, no villains, only victims.

Richard G. Hatcher and Alexander Poinsett discuss Gary, Indiana, their book "Black Power: Gary Style," politics, and race relations. They discuss the corruption in Gary, Indiana and Gary politics. Includes Richard G. Hatcher reading his old speech from his book "Black Power: Gary Style."

According to former United States States Attorney, Ramsey Clark, crimes of the poor and violence among the poor are due to their social situations like where they live, where they work, and their lack of education. Seeing the affluent and wealthy people around them add insult to injury, explained Clark. A passage from Clark's book, "Crime in America" is also read by Clark.

Discussing the book "Deadly deceits: my twenty five years in the C.I.A" with the author Ralph McGehee.

Studs tours the prison and speaks with prison director Jean Blayrat and a lady referred to as Madame B translates. They talk about the crimes of the a few of the prisoners and the rehabilitation programs the prison system uses in France.

Louis Font and Ed Fox discuss their time in the military, the Vietnam War, military rituals, and West Point military academy. They express their anti-war sentiments and describe atrocities committed in Vietnam.

James Mills, a novelist and journalist, talks to Studs about his book "Report to the Commissioner". Mr. Mills and Studs discuss the story and Mr. Mills goes in depth into the process of police detectives working a case. Studs plays an excerpt of a Chicago policeman talking about working on the tactical squad on the police force. The policeman tells of how they go into a neighborhood as civilians to stop crime.

Ira B. Harkey discusses the south, civil rights, race relations, racism, his newspaper, and his career. Includes Ira Harkey reading his writing from his newspaper the Mississippi "Chronicle-Star."