War of the Worlds: The Hoax of a Century

The 1938 CBS radio broadcast of 'The War of the Worlds', directed by Orson Welles, simulated an alien invasion, causing panic among listeners. This event marked a pivotal moment in the Golden Age of Radio, showcasing the medium's power to blur fact and fiction. It influenced storytelling by challenging audience perceptions and inspired numerous adaptations across various media. The broadcast's legacy highlights the potential of mass media to manipulate public perception, urging audiences to question the authenticity of what they consume.

What was the unique approach used by Orson Welles in the 1938 broadcast of The War of the Worlds?

• It was presented as a live news bulletin.

• It was a silent film adaptation.

• It was a musical performance.

• It was a live stage play.

During the Golden Age of Radio, what type of content were listeners typically tuning in for?

• Live sports events

• Political debates

• Adventure shows, sitcoms, and soap operas

• Documentaries and news reports

How did The War of the Worlds broadcast challenge its audience?

• By using a foreign language

• By blurring the lines between fact and fiction

• By being broadcast at an unusual time

• By featuring unknown actors

What was one of the long-term effects of the 1938 broadcast on storytelling?

• It led to a decline in radio listenership.

• It discouraged adaptations of classic novels.

• It inspired artists to experiment with audience expectations.

• It resulted in stricter broadcasting regulations.

What question does the broadcast ultimately raise about media consumption?

• How can we trust the news?

• What is the role of fiction in media?

• How does media influence politics?

• How can you be sure that what you see and hear is real or fake?