Radio Law Enforcement

Hello MPIR Fans,
I hope you've enjoyed the Western programming the past few days. Coming up for Monday Feb 15, 2016 will be radio law enforcement themed programs. Episodes from The Tales of The Texas Rangers, The Line Up, 21st Precinct, and featuring Dragnet.

Dragnet, 1949 - 1957 the brainchild of Jack Webb, may very well be the most well-remembered, and the best, radio police drama series. Each 30 minute show brought to radio true police stories in a low-key, documentary style. Dragnet became one of radio's top rated shows. Jack Webb insisted on realism in every aspect of the show. The dialogue was clipped, understated, and sparse -- influenced by the hard-boiled school of crime fiction. Scripts were fast moving, but didn't seem rushed. Every aspect of police work was chronicled, step-by-step. From patrols and paperwork, to crime scene investigation, lab work and questioning witnesses or suspects. Webb was a stickler for accurate details, and Dragnet used many authentic touches, such as LAPD's actual radio call sign, KMA-367, and the names of many real department officials, such as Ray Pinker and Lee Jones of the Crime Lab, or Chief of Detectives, Thad Brown.


21st Precinct 1953 - 1956 was a very dramatic police drama. CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for this series and to focus on the happenings in an actual police precinct. The premise was to put the listener into the drama from the opening phone call until the final report was written.

Enjoy the programming? Please let know if you have a particular show you wish to hear.

Until next time,

MPIR Features

The Mystery stream will feature several episode of The Whistler.

The Whistler ran from 1942- 1955, on the west-coast regional CBS radio network. The show was also broadcast in Chicago and over Armed Forces Radio. On the west coast, it was sponsored by the Signal Oil Company: "That Whistle is your signal for the Signal Oil program, The Whistler."

“I...am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes... I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak!”

Episodes of The Mysterious Traveler, The Shadow, The Chase, Suspense, Molle Mystery Theater, The Campbell Playhouse, Lux Radio Theater and more.

The MPIR Comedy stream will feature several episodes of You Bet Your Life.

You Bet Your Life is an American quize show that aired on both radio and television, hosted by Groucho Marx with announcer and assistant George Fenneman. The show debuted on ABC Radio on October 27, 1947, then moved to CBS Radio October 5, 1949 before making the transition to NBC-TV and NBC Radio on October 4, 1950. Because of its simple format, it was possible to broadcast the show simultaneously on radio and television. June 10, 1960 was the last episode aired in its radio broadcast format. The play of the game, however, was secondary to the interplay between Groucho, the contestants, and occasionally Fenneman.

Episodes of The Jack Benny Program, Burns and Allen Show, Martin & Lewis Show, My Favorite Husband, Our Miss Brooks, Fibber McGee & Molly, and more.