William Hannan Spier (October 16, 1906 – May 30, 1973) was an American writer, producer and director for television and radio. He is best known for his radio work, notably Suspense and The Adventures of Sam Spade. Born in New York City, Spier began his career on the editorial staff of Musical America magazine, eventually becoming its chief critic. Married to Mary Scanlan and had three children, Peter (deceased), Greta, and Margaret. Was also married to Kay Thompson and later on June Havoc until his death in 1973. His radio career began in 1929, when he produced and directed The Atwater Kent Hour, an hour-long Sunday night presentation of Metropolitan Opera artists. In 1936, Spier created The March of Time, which was to become a radio landmark. Among the many stars associated with the program were Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Van Heflin, Agnes Moorehead, Jeanette Nolan, Nancy Kelly and Everett Sloane. Spier was chief of the writers' department and director of development at CBS in 1940, when he was co-producer of Suspense and Duffy's Tavern. In 1947, he won a Mystery Writers of America award for The Adventures of Sam Spade.