Columbia Broadcasting System War Of The Worlds

WEB Inside The War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast

Orson Welles' Radio Drama: The Most Famous Broadcast in History

75th Anniversary of the Infamous Broadcast

On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles' radio drama, "The War of the Worlds," became the most infamous broadcast in history. The innovative and realistic portrayal of an alien invasion caused widespread panic among listeners, who believed that the events depicted in the drama were real.

Wellesnet, a website dedicated to the legacy of Orson Welles, has released a transcript of the original broadcast, which captured the nation's attention and forever changed the landscape of radio broadcasting. The transcript provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation and execution of this groundbreaking radio drama.

Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre On The Air presented "The War of the Worlds" on the Columbia Broadcasting System. The broadcast featured dramatic sound effects and realistic news reports, which contributed to the illusion of an actual alien invasion. Listeners across the country were captivated by the gripping story, unaware that it was a dramatization of H.G. Wells' classic science fiction novel.

The panic caused by "The War of the Worlds" broadcast highlighted the power of mass media and the importance of responsible journalism. Welles' intention was to create a thrilling and thought-provoking drama, but the unintended consequences of the broadcast served as a stark reminder of the potential for misinformation and fearmongering to spread through the airwaves.

Conclusion

The 75th anniversary of the "War of the Worlds" broadcast serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Orson Welles' groundbreaking radio drama. This infamous broadcast remains a fascinating case study in the intersection of art, technology, and society, leaving a lasting impression on the world of communication.