OLD-TIME RADIO: THIS IS YOUR FBI

The FBI -- our nation's premier law enforcement agency -- has been in the news for the past few days.  The agency has had a checkered career.  J. Edgar Hoover, director from 1924 to 1972, did much to transform a moribund agency to modern (and often controversial) crime fighting force.  Hoover's grandstanding and behind the scenes machinations created a number of problematic and often hidden excesses.  No matter what your opinion of him, Hoover was a master at public relations and during most of his tenure he was able to maintain the Bureau's high public image.  

Hoover would lend his imprematur to various entertainment outlets to ensure a favorable image for the FBI.  Case in point:  ABC radio's crime drama This is Your FBI, to which he gave his endorsement and (supposedly) opened past files of the agency to producer/director Jerry Devine to be adapted for the program.  Hoover called the show "the finest dramatic program on the air."

Running from April 6, 1945 to January 30, 1953, This is Your FBI produced 409 half-hour shows with Stacy Harris starring as (fictional) FBI agent Jim Taylor.  Frank Lovejoy served as the show's narrator during its first year.  

Week after week we learned that FBI = good, crime/criminals = bad, as wass the case with this episode, "The Friendly Killer," which first aired on June 21, 1945.

Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI-N_9Eke-I