The Impact of Orson Welles' Broadcast

Orson Welles' 1938 radio adaptation of 'War of the Worlds' exemplified the power of storytelling to influence public perception. The program, designed as a series of breaking news bulletins, successfully misled many listeners into believing that a Martian invasion was occurring, prompting widespread panic. Despite clarifications at the beginning of the show that it was a fictional dramatization, a significant portion of the audience was unaware and reacted with fear, calling local authorities for help. This incident marked a pivotal moment in broadcasting, demonstrating the potential consequences of narrative technique and framing in media.