The Big Broadcast: Christmas Eve Special

WAMU 88.5 invites listeners to spend Christmas Eve with The Big Broadcast starting at 8 p.m. While you’re sipping cocoa and wrapping gifts, enjoy seasonal programming from the golden age of radio.

Following is a playlist of the evening's program:

  • 08:00 p.m. Duffy's Tavern
    12/23/48 Miracle in Manhattan (Bristol Meyers) (NBC) (28:56) 
  • 08:30 p.m. Phil Harris/Alice Faye
    12/19/48 #012 Jack Benny Plays Santa (Rexall) (NBC) (29:38)
  • 09:00 p.m. Fibber McGee & Molly
    12/23/47 Lost Keys (Johnson's Wax) (NBC) (27:54) 
  • 09:30 p.m. Lum & Abner
    12/24/42 Christmas Eve at the Store (Alka-Seltzer) (14:52)
  • 09:45 p.m. Lum & Abner
    12/25/41 Traditional Christmas Show (Alka-Seltzer) (14:20) 
  • 10:00 p.m. Campbell Playhouse
    12/24/39 A Christmas Carol (Campbell Soup) (CBS) (59:46) 
  • 11:00 p.m. Cavalcade of America
    12/24/45 Names on the Land (Dupont) (NBC) (29:34) 
  • 11:30 p.m. First Nighter
    12/22/45 Little Town of Bethlehem (Campana) (CBS) (30:00) 

Arts & Culture

NPR

Fictional 'Mothers' Reveal Facts Of A Painful Adoption Process

After years trying to conceive, novelist Jennifer Gilmore and her husband decided to adopt. What they thought would be a relatively simple process was instead a long and painful one. In her latest novel, Gilmore channels these autobiographical experiences into fiction.

Food

NPR

In Raw Milk Case, Activists See Food Freedom On Trial

Activists say the case against Wisconsin dairy farmer Vernon Hershberger is about raw milk — and much more. His supporters have turned the case into a rallying cry for personal food freedom and the rights of farmers and consumers to enter into private contracts without government intervention.

Politics

NPR

Obama Group's Climate Push Puts President Under Scrutiny

Organizing for Action — a group that formed out of President Obama's re-election campaign — has focused its ire on Republicans it calls "climate change deniers." But some environmentalists are frustrated with the president himself on issues like the Keystone pipeline.

Technology

NPR

How That 'Nigerian Email Scam' Got Started

You've probably seen it in your inbox before: Someone who claims to have come into a fortune needs your help. You can share in the profits — if you send along a deposit or your bank account number. Boston Globe correspondent Finn Brunton talks about the history of the "Nigerian prince" or "419" scam, which actually got its start long before email.