The Hummerts created and produced the first radio soap operas. Frank worked in advertising with the Chicago firm, Blackett, Sample & Hummert when Anne, a reporter, was hired around 1930. While at this firm they conceived the idea of daytime radio serials. The first, "Just Plain Bill" was introduced in 1932 and many others followed gaining tremendous popularity. The Hummerts produced the shows and outlined stories (mainly done by Anne) which were then written by a staff of writers. The Hummerts married in 1935 and in 1943 began producing the shows through their own company, Hummert Radio Features.
From the description of Anne and Frank Hummert scripts, 1932-1958. (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 30011220
