This is a snippet from Breaking Walls Episode 99: New Year's 1948 On The Air

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In the mid-1940s Al Jolson’s career hit a low point. He’d spent only one season as host of his own radio program since 1939, when his Colgate Toothpaste Program was cancelled in June of 1943.

Then in 1946 Columbia filmed a biography of his life. Larry Parks played the young Jolson, but Jolson’s voice was used in the soundtrack. The film won two Oscars, and again he was a hot property.

Jolson was soon doing so many radio guest spots that it became a running gag among comedians. With Kraft’s ratings in a tailspin following Bing Crosby’s departure for ABC, Jolson was a wise investment. Kraft signed the star for $7500 per week and the Music Hall was once again Thursday’s ratings winner, with a 23.5 in January of 1948.

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At 9:30PM Eastern Time from New York, Casey, Anne Williams, Ethelbert, and Tony Marvin could be found where they were found on both Thanksgiving and Christmas: At work.

This episode of Crime Photographer involves an arson, manslaughter, and a kidnapping, all taking place in the wee hours of the morning on January 1st.

By January 1st, 1948, John Gibson, Staats Cotsworth, and Jan Miner were three of the busiest character actors on radio.