Grandma worries that they're missing "One Man's Family," a popular radio soap opera that aired from 1932 to 1959. It was the longest running uninterrupted dramatic serial in the history of American radio.
The news commentator that Grandpa, John and John-Boy are listening to is H.V. Kaltenborn, who was a regular presence on the radio for over 30 years, beginning with CBS in 1928. He was known for his highly precise diction, his ability to ad-lib, and his depth of knowledge of world affairs. Edward R. Murrow called Kaltenborn the "dean of radio commentators."