Spoiler : The American Family Robinson radio program was first syndicated by the National Industrial Council (a group set up by the National Association of Manufacturers) in the Fall of 1934. The program features the Robinsons, a family dealing with hard times during the Depression. The program was designed to use the medium of radio and the popular format of continuing serials of the time to “sell” the public on more conservative economic policies. It was part of a larger effort, including texts for speeches, leaflets, films for schools and other materials, by the NAM to organize owners of manufacturing business to influence public opinion in their local communities about New Deal economics. The program was popular, being broadcast by some 300 stations, with the air time paid for by local sponsors. It was controversial in its time - the National Association of Broadcasters issued a memo to stations encouraging them to inform audience that the program was sponsored and didn’t necessarily represent the views of station management or owners. The first series features Chester Stratton. The second series from 1940 features Bill Adams. By 1940, there were a new set of government policies and a looming war that were on the minds of the country. So NAM brought back the Robinsons, following up on them in a series that was more polished and subtle than the previous series. In this second series, Mr. Robinson is no longer a newspaper editor, but is managing his Aunt Agatha’s store. Mrs. Robinson has become a radio personality with a marriage advice program. Luke is now unhappy, as his wife’s work is taking so much time that he’s feeling neglected. Writers for both series was Douglas Silver and Marjorie Bartlett. Director is Martha Atwell.