[2] The Greatest Story Ever Told, the title of which was used for Fulton Oursler's 1949 book,[3] used dramatized sketches to depict events in the life of Jesus Christ.
[5] The program was sponsored by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company,[6] but it lacked commercials, having the sponsorship announced only at the end of each episode.
The Greatest Story Ever Told has occupied a peculiar niche, carved by both quality and popularity..."[12] Also in 1949, the Freedoms Foundation named the show Best Radio Program.
[13] On February 9, 1947, Jack Gould wrote in The New York Times, "The Greatest Story Ever Told is a program of extraordinary beauty and reverence, which without reservation may be listed as one of the most significant ethereal achievements in recent years.
"[14] He went on to call the show "a rare and successful fusion of religion, art and commerce ..."[14] On December 2 and 23, 1951, ABC-TV broadcast episodes of The Greatest Story Ever Told.
An article in the trade publication Billboard reported that the half-hour program would be broadcast one Sunday afternoon in each of April, May and June 1952, and "it will be shown weekly next season".