Quality programming for children was WMAQ hallmark at least until the early 1960's, thanks in no small part to the firm and even hand of Judith Waller. "Uncle Ned's Squadron", which aired between 1950 and 1954, is a perfect example of how WMAQ's production staff could integrate entertainment and educational content even as the age of television was beginning.

Norbert "Ned" Locke (1919-1992) was a perfect host for this show which taught young people, in a very substantive way, about aviation. He was not only a broadcaster and a pilot, but a flight instructor. On this broadcast he became a middle-school teacher as well.