1social context
- great depression - widespread economic hardship
- WOTW - escapism
- underlying anxiety
2historical context
- 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
3cultural context
- radio was the primary form of mass media
- radio dramas increasing in popularity
4political context
- brink of WWII
- tensions rising - growing concern of involvement in war
- fear of invasion
- exploited audience when they were vulnerable with anxiety
6what type of broadcast format was used
radio drama
7what innovative technique was used to simulate live news broadcasts
authentic simulated news bulletins
and music intervals
8what was the reaction of some of the listeners
panic + hysteria
9what radio station aired it
CBS
10what's the significance of the date
30th Oct
night before Halloween - adds to the atmosphere to entertain and scare for Halloween
11what role did music and sound effects have
enhanced realism, making it more convincing, sound effects were a very new technique
12how did media and authorities react
example: 'fake radio war stirs terror through US'
newspapers used it to slander radio
media + authorities criticised welles for causing unnecessary panic
13how did Orson welles defend the show
panic was an overreaction and most listeners understood it was a fictional drama
14what legacy did it leave
became a landmark in the history of broadcast and media
inspiring future adaptions such as in film, TV shows, stage plays and novels