Wire Service focuses on three reporters for the fictional Trans Globe wire service,[1] which was similar to (and obviously inspired by) real-life news wire services such as the Associated Press and United Press International. It was the first hour-long, weekly scheduled dramatic series with continuing characters to last a full season on network television.[2][citation needed] However, the three reporters functioned independently of each other,[3] meaning that the series was essentially three different ones sharing a time slot and title.
This program was aired at 9 p.m. (Eastern Time) Thursdays from September 1956 to February 1957, when it was moved to Mondays at 8:30. It was not renewed for a second season, and the last prime time broadcast under this title was in September 1957. However, when a gap developed in the ABC schedule in February 1959, the episodes starring Dane Clark (only) were then rebroadcast under the title Deadline for Action.[4] The last of these repeat episodes was broadcast on September 13, 1959.
The series sometimes delved into topics that were controversial for its era. They included profiteering, nuclear testing, and prison reform.[5]
Story by : Harold Channing Wire Teleplay by : A.I. Bezzerides
June 17, 1957
37
"The Nameless"
TBA
TBA
September 9, 1957
38
"Rehearsal for Sabotage"
TBA
TBA
September 16, 1957
39
"Escape to Freedom"
TBA
Malvin Wald and Jack Jacobs
September 23, 1957
Production
The producers were Don Sharpe and Warren Lewis.[3] Directors included Lance Comfort. Some episodes were filmed in England.[6]Wire Service initially was broadcast at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursdays. Beginning on February 11, 1957, it was moved to Mondays at 7:30 p.m. ET.[6]R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was the sponsor.[7]
^ abcdTerrace, Vincent (2011). Encyclopedia of television shows, 1925 through 2010 (2nd ed.). Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. p. 1185. ISBN978-0-7864-6477-7.