NBC Chicago
In 1949 Duggan went to work for the NBC radio (WMAQ) and television (WNBQ) outlets in Chicago. He now called himself Tom Duggan, the name he would use for the rest of his career. Duggan's nightly 15 minute television sports commentary on WNBQ at 10:30 quickly gained popularity.
Duggan constantly spoke out against Chicago mob figures and corrupt politicians in the International Boxing Club (IBC), the governing body for professional boxing. He continually railed against James D. Norris and his partner Arthur Wirtz over the mob's influence in boxing. Duggan finally alleged on-air that Norris had threatened to kill him. Both Norris and NBC demanded an apology, and when Duggan refused he was fired.
The Chicago Tribune reported that "the station and newspaper offices were swamped with phone calls protesting Duggan's dismissal.""Tom Duggan Affair Reaps Whirlwind of Fan Protests". March 1, 1953.
Letters published in the Tribune included the following:
"Tom Duggan – Unafraid. A voice crying in the wilderness! St. George and The Dragon! So Long Tom – we'll all crawl back into our safe little shells now we've had our brief moment in the sun."
"Whether you like Duggan or not, what this country needs is more young guys telling whoever and whatever they think needs a little airing."
"If Tom Duggan tomorrow would enter politics and run on the Democratic ticket for Mayor of Chicago, his popularity would push him in with a landslide."
Because of his enormous popularity, Chicago newspapers had big, bold front page headlines announcing his firing. A petition was circulated throughout Chicago, calling for Duggan's reinstatement.
Read more about this topic: Tom Duggan
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