war of the worlds

- great depression - widespread economic hardship
- WOTW - escapism
- underlying anxiety

- adapted from HG Wells 1898 novel
- updated to contemporary setting of New Jersey
- the panic that ensued reflects the power of mass media to shape public perception
- led to discourse in regulation and censorship

- radio was the primary form of mass media
- radio dramas increasing in popularity

- brink of WWII
- tensions rising - growing concern of involvement in war
- fear of invasion
- exploited audience when they were vulnerable with anxiety

1938

radio drama

authentic simulated news bulletins

and music intervals

panic + hysteria

CBS

30th Oct
night before Halloween - adds to the atmosphere to entertain and scare for Halloween

enhanced realism, making it more convincing, sound effects were a very new technique

example: 'fake radio war stirs terror through US'

newspapers used it to slander radio
media + authorities criticised welles for causing unnecessary panic

panic was an overreaction and most listeners understood it was a fictional drama

became a landmark in the history of broadcast and media

inspiring future adaptions such as in film, TV shows, stage plays and novels