The Pacific Story was a radio documentary that introduced American listeners to the rich and complex histories of the countries and cultures around the Pacific Rim. The show's premise was based on the idea that with Europe in ruins due to World War II, the Pacific might emerge as the center of political and social change in the world, making it crucial for people to know more about the region. The series covered a wide range of nations, including Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Korea, India, Russia, and Burma, among others. With a focus on everything from politics to weather and culture, The Pacific Story was narrated by Gayne Williams and featured insights from notable authorities on Pacific affairs such as Henry Luce and Pearl S. Buck.

The Pacific Story aired on NBC at 11:30 pm, with its first broadcast on July 11, 1943, and lasted for 184 weeks, ending on January 26, 1947. The series was created by historian and US consultant Owen Lattimore, who grew up in China and was appointed as a US advisor to Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941. However, Lattimore later faced trial before a Joseph McCarthy senate hearing as a "top Soviet agent." Although the show had two weeks pre-empted from its run, The Pacific Story remains an informative and compelling old-time radio series that provides insight into the complex and evolving dynamics of the Pacific region during World War II.

Sources: archive.org, otrcat.com