The Big Story

In the golden age of radio, amidst the swing music and comedy shows, a different kind of program emerged, captivating audiences with true stories of real-life newspaper reporters.

That program was The Big Story, a crime drama series that ran from 1947 to 1955, rivaling even the popularity of shows like Bing Crosby's Philco Radio Time.

Each week, listeners were introduced to a new reporter and their gripping tale, unveiled by the show's narrator, Bob Sloane. Sloane's voice set the stage, describing the reporter and the events leading up to the "big story" that was about to unfold.

The series premiered on NBC Radio on April 2, 1947, under the sponsorship of Pall Mall cigarettes. Later, Lucky Strike took over the sponsorship for the final two seasons, carrying the show through its radio finale on March 23, 1955.

What made The Big Story so compelling was its ever-changing cast of characters. Each episode focused on a different reporter and their unique story, offering a diverse range of narratives and personalities. While there were no regular stars, the series attracted notable guest appearances from actors like James Dean, Sam Jaffe, Jack Klugman, and many others.

The show's creators, Paul H. Hedrick and Bernard J. Prockter, along with a team of talented scriptwriters, brought these real-life stories to life with dramatic flair. The theme music, taken from Richard Strauss's tone poem "Ein Heldenleben," added an air of suspense and intrigue.

The Big Story wasn't confined to the radio waves; it also made its mark on television. The TV adaptation debuted on NBC on September 16, 1949, and continued until June 28, 1957, before entering syndication.

The show's success wasn't without controversy. In 1952, a broadcast led to a lawsuit when Charles Bernstein claimed the episode invaded his privacy. However, the courts ruled in favor of the show, stating that dramatizing events already in the public record was not an invasion of privacy.

Despite this legal challenge, The Big Story continued to thrive, even earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1953. Its popularity was undeniable, consistently ranking high in the Nielsen ratings throughout its run.

The Big Story remains a testament to the power of true crime storytelling, capturing the imagination of audiences in the 1940s and 1950s. Its legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the impact of investigative journalism and the enduring appeal of real-life drama.

We have 24 episodes of the series, which we continue to add daily for the following weeks.

Enjoy!

RUSC Old Time Radio
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