War of the Worlds: Blog tasks
Media Factsheet
1) What is the history and narrative behind War of the Worlds?
"The War of the Worlds" is a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells about Martians invading Earth, causing chaos and destruction with their advanced technology.
2) When was it first broadcast and what is the popular myth regarding the reaction from the audience?
The radio broadcast of "The War of the Worlds" by Orson Welles aired on October 30, 1938. It is said that it caused widespread panic among listeners who believed the Martian invasion was real.
3) How did the New York Times report the reaction the next day?
The New York Times reported the next day that there was widespread confusion and some panic among listeners during the broadcast, they also said that the panic was not as severe as initially reported.
4) How did author Brad Schwartz describe the the broadcast and its reaction?
Captured listeners' attention with its realistic news about a Martian invasion. He also discussed how reports of widespread panic were exaggerated.
5) Why did Orson Welles use hybrid genres and pastiche and what effect might it have had on the audience?
To make the broadcast feel realistic and engaging, aiming to captivate listeners with its unrealistic broadcast.
6) How did world events in 1938 affect the way audiences interpreted the show?
World events in 1938, included political tensions and the threat of war making the audience believe this was real.
7) Which company broadcast War of the Worlds in 1938?
Mercury Theatre on the Air, which was part of the CBS radio network.
8) Why might the newspaper industry have deliberately exaggerated the response to the broadcast?
9) Does War of the Worlds provide evidence to support the Frankfurt School's Hypodermic Needle theory?
Yes, "The War of the Worlds" broadcast does provide evidence to support the Frankfurt School's Hypodermic Needle theory. This theory suggests that media messages are directly put into audiences, shaping their beliefs and behaviour.
10) How might Gerbner's cultivation theory be applied to the broadcast?
Gerbner's cultivation theory suggests that seeing the same media messages can shape perceptions of reality. In the case of "The War of the Worlds" broadcast, it influenced how audiences viewed if the Media was truthful.
11) Applying Hall's Reception Theory, what could be the preferred and oppositional readings of the original broadcast?
Preferred Reading: Listeners understood it as entertainment, appreciating the drama without believing it was real.
Oppositional Reading: Some interpreted it as a real news, causing fear and panic among those who missed the disclaimer.
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?
Yes, media products can still influence and mislead audiences, but digital platforms have changed how this occurs as information can spread faster even if its not true.
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?
Its realistic news-style presentation and some listeners tuning in late or missing the disclaimer that it was fake.
2) How did newspapers present the story?
Dramatic descriptions of panic caused by listeners who believed the fictional Martian invasion was real.
3) How does the article describe the rise of radio?
The article describes radio as a change in communication, becoming a good way for presenting news and entertainment.
4) What does the article say about regulation of radio in the 1930s?
In the 1930s, the article mentions efforts to regulate radio to ensure true and responsible broadcasting.
5) How does the article apply media theories to the WOTW? Give examples.
Reception Theory: It explores how audiences interpreted the broadcast, with some receiving it as entertainment (preferred reading) and others mistaking it for real news (oppositional reading).
Hypodermic Needle Theory: It considers whether the broadcast went into fear, it was a direct impact on beliefs and reactions.
Cultivation Theory: It shows how the repeated message may shape ideas and beliefs.
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