Category Archives: soap opera

“Front Page Farrell” wasn’t front page news on D-Day

On D-Day, one of America’s most famous reporters, Front Page Farrell, was not involved in the war coverage at all… But, of course, Dave Farrell was fictional. Still, his June 7, 1944, episode above has hints of America’s mood on … Continue reading

Posted in 1940s, Europe, radio, reporters, soap opera, Uncategorized, World War II | Leave a comment

Soaps and Circulation

An editor and “ace reporter” debated the news value and audience interest in a sensational murder case — versus coverage of the Korean War — in this December 1950 episode of “The Guiding Light” soap opera. http://otrrlibrary.org/OTRRLib/Library%20Files/G%20Series/Guiding%20Light/The%20Guiding%20Light%2050-12-19%20Newspaper%20Has%20Story%20About%20Murder.MP3 Joe Roberts of … Continue reading

Posted in 1950s, courtroom, crime, ethics, Korea, newspapers, reporters, reporting, sensationalism, soap opera | Leave a comment

The most beautiful newspaper reporter on radio

“Give me a chance, just give me a chance, and I’ll be the best male Jane Arden in the racket.” — Jerry Delaney, the newspaper’s cub reporter Clearly, she was inspiring! Jane Arden was a long-running comic strip about an … Continue reading

Posted in 1930s, crime, editors, journalism, movies, radio, reporters, soap opera, women | 2 Comments

Newspaper Editors Face Evil in Black & White

“So the forces of good and evil join battle in Monroe, as they are joining in battle through the whole world. There is only one way to enter the battle — unafraid, as do Betty and Bob.” — announcer Milton … Continue reading

Posted in 1930s, newspaper crusades, newspapers, political corruption, publishers, soap opera | Leave a comment

Former police chief becomes investigative reporter

“Here’s the dope, Bob…” — former Chief Henderson. A few episodes ago Betty and Bob Drake convinced their corrupt city’s former police chief to become an investigative reporter on their paper, The Trumpet. In this episode, he lets them know … Continue reading

Posted in 1930s, 1940s, journalism, political corruption, publishers, soap opera | Leave a comment

Running a crusading newspaper as a ‘line of duty’

“Miracles don’t happen twice in a lifetime,” Betty Drake warned her husband Bob in last week’s episode, titled “Bob Is Returning to Monroe to Fight.” She was reminding him that only an advanced operation restored his ability to walk after … Continue reading

Posted in 1930s, newspaper crusades, newspapers, political corruption, publishers, soap opera | Leave a comment

Even soap-opera journalists can fly the flag of human decency

“Betty and Bob have neither thought nor fear of the disasters that may lie ahead. Their newspaper will not only fly the flag of freedom and human decency, but will fight for it.” Publishers Betty and Bob Drake have turned … Continue reading

Posted in 1930s, journalism, newspapers, political corruption, publishers, soap opera | Leave a comment

Newspapers as Madness: Is Bob Ready to Take Control?

“You wouldn’t have made a bad detective, either of you” — ex-police chief to editors Betty & Bob In last week’s eighth episode in our 16-part “Betty and Bob” story, crusading editor and publisher Bob Drake hired a former police chief … Continue reading

Posted in 1930s, editors, journalism, newspaper crusades, political corruption, publishers, radio, soap opera | Leave a comment

Will police chief trade his badge for a press card?

“I never knew there was so much rottenness and corruption in Monroe until you and Betty and The Trumpet began to dig it up and tried to get rid of it” — police chief. “Ex-Police Chief Henderson Visits,” the seventh episode … Continue reading

Posted in 1930s, newspaper crusades, political corruption, publishers, radio, reporters, soap opera | Leave a comment

Emotional woes and courage of a newspaper family

“Bad enough to give up something that’s meant your whole life, running a newspaper, but when I can’t even get a copy of it to read!” — Bob Drake, publisher No wonder publisher Bob Drake has a temper tantrum when … Continue reading

Posted in 1930s, 1940s, editors, journalism, publishers, romance, soap opera, women | Leave a comment