War of the Worlds: Blog tasks

Media Factsheet

Read Media Factsheet #176: CSP Radio - War of the Worlds. You'll need your Greenford Google login to download it. Then answer the following questions:

1) What is the history and narrative behind War of the Worlds?

War of the Worlds is a science fiction radio drama based on H.G. Wells’ 1898 novel. It tells the story of a Martian invasion of Earth through a series of realistic news reports

2) 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 many listeners believed the fictional broadcast was a real alien invasion and panicked.

3) How did the New York Times report the reaction the next day?

The New York Times reported that some listeners were frightened and confused, but later reports suggested the panic was exaggerated.

4) How did author Brad Schwartz describe the the broadcast and its reaction?

Brad Schwartz described the broadcast as a successful piece of dramatic storytelling that used realistic techniques to create a powerful audience reaction.

5) Why did Orson Welles use hybrid genres and pastiche and what effect might it have had on the audience?

Orson Welles used hybrid genres and pastiche by combining drama with news conventions. This made the broadcast feel realistic and increased audience engagement.

6) How did world events in 1938 affect the way audiences interpreted the show?

The political tension and fear before World War Two meant audiences were already worried about real threats. This may have influenced how some people interpreted the broadcast.

7) Which company broadcast War of the Worlds in 1938?

War of the Worlds was broadcast by the Columbia Broadcasting System.

8) Why might the newspaper industry have deliberately exaggerated the response to the broadcast?

The newspaper industry may have exaggerated the reaction because it wanted to criticise radio as a powerful new competitor and promote newspapers as a more reliable source of information.

9) Does War of the Worlds provide evidence to support the Frankfurt School's Hypodermic Needle theory?

War of the worlds does not fully support the hypodermic needle theory because the panic was exaggerated. However, it shows that media messages can influence some audiences.

10) How might Gerbner's cultivation theory be applied to the broadcast?

Gerbner’s Cultivation theory suggests repeated media messages can shape people’s views of reality. The broadcast could have influenced fears about invasion and threats because of its realistic style.

11) Applying Hall's Reception Theory, what could be the preferred and oppositional readings of the original broadcast?

A preferred reading would be that audiences understood it as an entertaining drama. An oppositional reading would be that some audiences rejected the message or believed it was a real news report.

12) 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?

Modern audiences are less likely to be completely fooled because they can check information quickly online. However, fake news and misinformation show that media can still influence audiences.

Media Magazine article on War of the Worlds

Read this excellent article on War of the Worlds in Media Magazine. You can find it in our Media Magazine archive - issue 69, page 10. Answer the following questions:

1) What reasons are provided for why the audience may have been scared by the broadcast in 1938? 

The audience may have been scared because the broadcast used realistic news conventions, including reporters, interviews and emergency updates. In 1938, radio was a trusted source of information and many people were already worried because of the political situation before world war two.

2) How did newspapers present the story? 

Newspapers presented the story as evidence that radio was dangerous and powerful. They exaggerated the panic to criticise radio and promote newspapers as a more reliable medium.

3) How does the article describe the rise of radio? 

The article describes the rise of radio as a major new mass medium that quickly became popular because it was immediate, accessible and brought shared experiences into people’s homes.

4) What does the article say about regulation of radio in the 1930s? 

Radio in the 1930s was regulated through rules about content and broadcasting standards. Broadcasters were expected to avoid causing public harm and maintain trust.

6) Look at the box on page 13 of real newspaper headlines. Pick out two and write them here - you could use these in an exam answer.

“Radio Listeners in Panic, Taking War Drama as Fact”, “Many Flee Homes to Escape ‘Gas Raid’ From Mars”