The Big Story: Dramatizing Real-Life Journalism on Old-Time Radio and TV

In the golden age of American radio and television, one series stood out for its unique approach to storytelling - "The Big Story." This acclaimed anthology program dramatized the real-life experiences of newspaper reporters, bringing their investigative work and hard-hitting stories to life on the airwaves. From its debut on NBC Radio in 1947 to its successful television adaptation in the late 1940s, "The Big Story" captivated audiences with its gritty realism and celebration of journalistic integrity.

As a pioneering crime drama series, "The Big Story" not only entertained listeners and viewers but also shed light on the unsung heroes of the newspaper industry. By highlighting the courageous reporting that uncovered important truths, the program played a unique role in shaping the public's perception of journalism and its vital role in society. This article will explore the origins, evolution, and lasting impact of this groundbreaking radio and television series, cementing its place in the annals of old-time broadcasting history.

Series Overview and Creation

"The Big Story" was the brainchild of producer Bernard J. Prockter, who was inspired to create the program after hearing about a man who was freed from a life sentence in jail thanks to the work of two newspaper reporters in Chicago. Prockter recognized the untapped potential in dramatizing the real-life exploits of journalists, and in 1947, he launched the radio version of "The Big Story" on the NBC network.

The series was structured around a simple but effective premise: each episode would dramatize the true story of a newspaper reporter who uncovered a significant news story, often involving crime, corruption, or social injustice. The only continuing character was the narrator, Bob Sloane, who would introduce the reporter of the week and provide context for the events that unfolded.

The radio version of "The Big Story" was an immediate success, quickly rivaling the popularity of other top-rated programs like Bing Crosby's Philco Radio Time. Prockter assembled a talented team of writers, including Gail Ingram, Arnold Pearl, and Max Ehrlich, who crafted the scripts based on the reporters' firsthand accounts. The series was also directed by the husband-wife duo of Tom Vietor and Harry Ingram.

The theme music for "The Big Story" was taken from the tone poem "Ein Heldenleben" ("A Hero's Life") by the German composer Richard Strauss, further emphasizing the heroic nature of the journalists being profiled. The program was sponsored by Pall Mall and Lucky Strike cigarettes, which was a common practice for radio dramas of the era.

Notable Episodes and Storylines

Over the course of its eight-year run on radio, "The Big Story" dramatized hundreds of true stories, each one highlighting the skill, courage, and determination of newspaper reporters. Some of the most memorable episodes included:

"The Case of the Ambitious Hobo" - This episode told the story of Russ Wilson, a reporter for the Des Moines Tribune, who uncovered a scheme involving a homeless man who was using his disability to scam the welfare system.
"The Case of the Forgotten Man" - This episode focused on Harold Faller, a reporter for the Huntington Advertiser in West Virginia, who helped exonerate a man wrongfully accused of murder.
"The Case of the Vanishing Heiress" - This episode dramatized the work of Francis DeSales, a reporter who helped solve the mysterious disappearance of a wealthy young woman.

Each week, the program would recognize the reporter whose story was being dramatized, and they would receive a $500 award and be interviewed on the air. This unique format not only entertained listeners but also shone a spotlight on the unsung heroes of journalism, inspiring a newfound appreciation for the vital role of the free press.

Cast and Crew

The radio version of "The Big Story" featured a rotating cast of talented actors, with Bob Sloane serving as the program's consistent narrator. Sloane's authoritative yet empathetic delivery helped to anchor the series and lend credibility to the dramatized stories.

The television adaptation of "The Big Story," which debuted on NBC in 1949, featured a similar format but with a more diverse array of on-screen talent. Over the course of its nine-season run, the series was hosted by several notable personalities, including Norman Rose, Ben Grauer, and ultimately, the acclaimed actor Burgess Meredith.

The television version also attracted a impressive roster of guest stars, including James Dean, Sam Jaffe, Jack Klugman, Diane Ladd, Martin Landau, Lee Marvin, Walter Matthau, Leslie Nielsen, Steve McQueen, Warren Oates, Anthony Perkins, and Jerry Stiller, among others.

Behind the scenes, the television series was directed by Stuart Rosenberg and David Lowell Rich, while the radio version was helmed by the husband-wife team of Tom Vietor and Harry Ingram. The overall production was overseen by the ever-present Bernard J. Prockter, who ensured that the series maintained its high standards of quality and authenticity.

Impact and Reception

"The Big Story" was widely acclaimed for its innovative approach to storytelling and its commitment to highlighting the vital role of journalism in society. The radio version of the series was a consistent ratings success, often rivaling the popularity of other top-rated programs of the era.

The television adaptation of "The Big Story" also found critical acclaim, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination in 1953. The series consistently ranked among the top 30 programs in the Nielsen ratings during its nine-season run, further cementing its status as a beloved and influential part of the American broadcasting landscape.

Beyond its commercial success, "The Big Story" also played a significant role in shaping the public's perception of journalism. By dramatizing the real-life exploits of reporters, the series helped to elevate the profession and showcase the courage, tenacity, and integrity required to uncover important truths. This, in turn, helped to foster a greater appreciation for the vital role of a free and independent press in a democratic society.

Legacy and Influence

The enduring legacy of "The Big Story" can be seen in its lasting impact on the crime drama genre and its influence on subsequent television series. The program's focus on realistic police work and its emphasis on the investigative process laid the groundwork for later shows like "Dragnet" and "The Untouchables," which would further explore the world of law enforcement and crime-fighting.

Moreover, "The Big Story" helped to establish the anthology format as a powerful storytelling device, paving the way for other successful series like "Ford Theater" and "Nightbeat." The program's ability to captivate audiences with its gritty, true-to-life narratives demonstrated the power of dramatizing real-world events and the people who uncover them.

Today, "The Big Story" is remembered as a pioneering and influential program that not only entertained audiences but also shed light on the vital role of journalism in a free society. Its legacy continues to be felt in the countless crime dramas, investigative series, and journalism-focused programs that have followed in its footsteps, each one inspired by the program's unwavering commitment to truth and justice.

Conclusion

In the golden age of American radio and television, "The Big Story" stood out as a unique and groundbreaking series that captivated audiences with its dramatization of real-life newspaper reporting. From its debut on NBC Radio in 1947 to its successful television adaptation in the late 1940s, the program celebrated the courage, tenacity, and integrity of journalists who uncovered important truths and fought for social justice.

By shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the newspaper industry, "The Big Story" played a crucial role in shaping the public's perception of journalism and its vital role in a democratic society. The series' innovative approach to storytelling, its commitment to realism, and its enduring popularity have cemented its place as a true classic of old-time broadcasting, inspiring countless crime dramas, investigative series, and journalism-focused programs that have followed in its footsteps.

As we look back on the golden age of radio and television, "The Big Story" stands out as a testament to the power of storytelling, the importance of a free press, and the enduring appeal of true-life drama. Its legacy continues to resonate with audiences and creators alike, ensuring that the courageous work of newspaper reporters will never be forgotten.

The Big Story: Dramatizing Real-Life Newspaper Reporting on Radio and TV