The Archive of American Radio is one of the largest collections of archival material documenting the history of radio broadcasting in the United States. Its more than 2,800 recordings span 26 series and include the dramatic works of important figures in the history of radio like Norman Corwin, alongside thousands of radio scripts, recordings, and transcription discs.
The Archive operates as a nonprofit public benefit corporation (NAICS 519120 - Libraries and Archives) dedicated to advancing public access, research, and education around American radio's dramatic works. The collections that form the Archive represent a significant addition to the field of broadcasting, media, and performing arts research.
All materials are being digitized and made accessible to researchers through our web platform, including searchable episode databases, transcripts and scripts, and restored audio recordings. Further information on the individual series collections is here:
Fall 2024 Update:
Our digital collection is actively being processed and made available through our web platform. The archive contains 2,803 digitized episodes spanning 26 series, with 1,391 searchable transcripts and 1,469 episode treatments currently available. New episodes, transcripts, and research materials are added regularly as restoration work progresses. Collections are being opened to researchers as soon as digitization and cataloging work provides sufficient access via our systems.
For further information on accessing materials and conducting research, explore our main website or contact us at info@archiveofamericanradio.org.
About the Collection
The collection encompasses the dramatic works, sound recordings, and literary materials of American radio's finest programs from the 1930s through the 1960s. Major series include productions by Norman Corwin, Arch Oboler, and other pioneering radio dramatists who shaped the medium during its golden age.
Our work centers on Dramatic Composition as the core copyright classification, following U.S. Copyright Office definitions from the 1930s-1940s era (Title 17 USC). We preserve, restore, reproduce, prepare, and publish Works of authorship including dramatic compositions, sound recordings, nondramatic literary works (transcripts, treatments), compilations and collective works, derivative works (restorations, enhancements), and fixed copies and phonorecords.
Accessing the Collection
We welcome researchers, educators, students, and enthusiasts to explore our collection. Free public access is available through our web platform:
- Browse Episodes - Search and listen to digitized recordings
- Read Transcripts - Access searchable broadcast transcripts
- Research Materials - Episode treatments and program notes
All content is freely available for educational and research purposes. For questions about specific materials or research assistance, contact us at info@archiveofamericanradio.org.