The first half of the twentieth century was a golden age of American journalism. Major cities supported multiple competing newspapers, many issuing several editions a day. Print magazines flourished. In that competitive landscape, reporters often pursued stories with fearless determination—uncovering corruption, confronting criminal enterprises, and helping to solve real cases that shaped public life.
The Big Story (1947–1955) brought these accounts to radio, dramatizing true reporting drawn from newspapers across the country. Performed by New York’s finest radio talent, the series honored the craft of investigative journalism and the people who practiced it. The program inspired a television adaptation, which ran from 1949–1957.
In this podcast feed, host Adam Graham presents all known circulating episodes of The Big Story, offering listeners a vivid window into the era when journalism was both a calling and a public trust.
The Big Story: Trap for a Killer with Reporter as Bait
Today's Mystery: When a series of brutal attacks leaves Los Angeles investigators searching for answers, crime reporter Sid Hughes finds himself drawn into a dangerous case. With a killer targeting tall, beautiful women and few clues to follow, Hughes proposes an unusual plan that could bring the investigation to a close—but puts his own life on the line.
Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 20, 1954
Originated in Hollywood
Cast:
Leslie Nielsen as Sid Hughes
Sam Raskin
Phil Sterling
Billy Redfield
Michael O’Day
Peggy Allenby
Madeleine Sherwood
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20 Oct 2026
The Big Story: The Ugly Story of a Man
Today's Mystery: Reporter Chick Gleason heads into Northern California to cover what appears to be a routine forest fire. But when two blazes erupt in the same area, suspicion grows that someone has deliberately set them. Then a sudden shift in the wind traps a group of missionaries in a deadly inferno, leaving 15 men dead. As investigators search for the arsonist, Gleason uncovers a suspect whose desperate circumstances may conceal a motive far more disturbing than anyone imagined.
Original Radio Broadcast: October 6, 1954
Originating in New York
Cast:
Joe Helgeson as Chick Gleason
Carl Swenson as Alan Rusk
Norman Rose as Narrator
Dean Almquist
Earl George
Michael O'Day
Ed Fuller
Chelsea Garrett
Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net (http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/)
Patreon Supporter of the Day: Cassandra, Patreon Supporter since September 2025.
Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. (http://support.greatdetectives.net./)
Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715
Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net (http://survey.greatdetectives.net/)
Give us a call 208-991-4783
Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives (http://instagram.com/greatdetectives)
Become one of our friends on Facebook. (http://www.facebook.com/radiodetectives)
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13 Oct 2026
The Big Story: Witness to Drama of Violence and Death
Today's Mystery: A redheaded woman is found shot dead in a black sedan on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Reporter Johnny Kalen soon finds himself investigating a second killing, a missing man named Scott Whitty, and a tangled web of relationships that may connect them all. As more troubling details emerge, Johnny and Police Chief Warren race to piece together the truth behind a string of violent deaths.
Original Radio Broadcast:March 24, 1954
Originating in New York
Cast:
Michael O’Day as Johnny Kalen
Ed Begley as Police Chief Warren
Brenna Rayburn
Danny AcCO
Rita Lynn
Gilbert Mack
Billy Gray
Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net (http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/)
Patreon Supporter of the Day: Ken — Patreon supporter since January 2020
Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. (http://support.greatdetectives.net./)
Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715
Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net (http://survey.greatdetectives.net/)
Give us a call 208-991-4783
Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives (http://instagram.com/greatdetectives)
Become one of our friends on Facebook. (http://www.facebook.com/radiodetectives)
Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives (http://www.twitter.com/radiodetectives)
Contact The Big Story|Old Time Radio Mysteries
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