Radio: War of the Worlds CSP (1938)
What is the history and narrative behind War of the Worlds?
War of the Worlds is originally a Victorian novel by H.G. Wells about an alien invasion. Orson Welles adapted the story in 1938 into a radio play, presenting it as if it were real news. He blurred the line between fiction and reality to engage the listener in a new and unsettling way.
When was it first broadcast and what is the popular myth regarding the reaction from the audience?
It was first broadcast on 30 October 1938. The popular myth is that the programme caused mass panic across the United States, with many listeners believing a Martian invasion was actually happening.
How did the New York Times report the reaction the next day?
The New York Times criticised the radio industry, saying it was not yet responsible enough for the influence it held. It reported the panic as a serious issue and called for greater regulation of broadcasting.
How did author Brad Schwartz describe the broadcast and its reaction?
Brad Schwartz called it "the first viral media phenomenon in history." He said the panic wasn’t entirely a myth, but that the media exaggerated and distorted the public’s response, creating a second wave of fear through news coverage.
Why did Orson Welles use hybrid genres and pastiche, and what effect might it have had on the audience?
Welles used pastiche by imitating the style of real news to make the drama feel authentic. This mix of genres made it difficult for some listeners to tell whether the story was real or fictional, increasing the emotional impact.
How did world events in 1938 affect the way audiences interpreted the show?
In 1938, the threat of another world war was growing, and people were already nervous due to political events in Europe. Listeners were used to hearing serious interruptions about real events, so some believed they were hearing genuine news about a possible attack.
Which company broadcast War of the Worlds in 1938?
It was broadcast by CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.
Why might the newspaper industry have deliberately exaggerated the response to the broadcast?
Newspapers saw radio as a threat to their audience and advertising revenue. By exaggerating the reaction, they aimed to damage radio’s credibility and prove it was unreliable and irresponsible as a source of information.
Does War of the Worlds provide evidence to support the Frankfurt School's Hypodermic Needle theory?
Yes, it is often used as an example of this theory, which suggests media can directly influence passive audiences. However, later research shows the panic may not have been as widespread, which challenges the theory’s accuracy.
How might Gerbner's Cultivation Theory be applied to the broadcast?
Gerbner’s theory suggests that regular listeners who were used to real breaking news on the radio were more likely to believe the story. Their frequent exposure to similar sounding content made the fictional report seem more credible.
Applying Hall's Reception Theory, what could be the preferred and oppositional readings of the original broadcast?
The preferred reading is that the programme was a clever and entertaining piece of fiction. The oppositional reading is that it was irresponsible and dangerous to present fiction in a way that could confuse or frighten people. A negotiated reading might accept the artistic value of the show while also criticising the lack of a clear warning.
Do media products still retain the ability to fool audiences as it is suggested War of the Worlds did in 1938? Has the digital media landscape changed this?
Audiences today are generally more media-literate, but misinformation can still spread quickly, especially online. Projects like The Blair Witch Project show that audiences can still be misled if the context and presentation are convincing. The internet allows false stories to go viral, though it also gives people more tools to fact-check and investigate
1) What reasons are provided for why the audience may have been scared by the broadcast in 1938?
The broadcast happened during a time when people were already worried. The Great Depression had made life hard and there were fears of war in Europe. People trusted the radio a lot. Orson Welles used realistic radio techniques like expert interviews and fake news updates which made it feel real. Some people tuned in late and missed the part that said it was fiction, so they believed it was really happening.
2) How did newspapers present the story?
Newspapers said the broadcast was a hoax. They made it sound like it was done to trick people on purpose. They said it caused panic and chaos. They used this to make radio look bad because they were losing money and readers to it.
3) How does the article describe the rise of radio?
Radio had become very popular. Most homes had one and people used it for news and entertainment. It was fast and easy to use. It brought voices and music right into people’s homes so it felt more real than reading a newspaper. Because of this, many thought there was no need to buy newspapers anymore.
4) What does the article say about regulation of radio in the 1930s?
Radio was still new and many people were unsure about it. Some were afraid that it might be bad for young people because it was not properly controlled. After the War of the Worlds broadcast, the government looked into what happened but found nothing wrong. Even so, some people wanted new rules to control radio better.
5) How does the article apply media theories to the War of the Worlds? Give examples.
It talks about Bandura’s theory which says people copy what they see in the media. It also mentions Gerbner’s theory that says if something is repeated a lot in the media, people start to believe it. This is what happened with the panic story. Stuart Hall’s theory is also used. He said people understand media in different ways. Some believed the show was real and got scared, but others knew it was just entertainment.
6) Look at the box on page 13 of real newspaper headlines. Pick out two and write them here.
Radio Martian Attack Terrorises US Hearers. Attempted Suicides, Heart Attacks, Exodus of Residents Reported
Listeners Faint Pray Prepare to Flee
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