The Big Story was a radio and television crime show which dramatized the true stories of real-life newspaper reporters. The only continuing character was the narrator, Bob Sloane. Produced by Barnard J. Prockter, the shows were scripted by Gail Ingram, Arnold Pearl and Max Ehrlich. Tom Victor and Harry Ingram directed the series. The theme was taken from Ein Heldenleben ("A Hero's Life"), a tone poem by Richard Strauss.

Sponsored by Pall Mall Cigarettes, the program began on NBC Radio April 2, 1947. With Lucky Strike Cigarettes sponsoring the last two years, it was broadcast until March 23, 1955. The radio series was top rated, rivaling Bing Crosby's Philco Radio Time.