Easy to Understand Guide to "War of the Worlds" Broadcast and Audiences

Introduction

• Target Audience: A-Level AQA Media Studies students
• Significance: On current specification

Context of Radio as a Medium

• New Media Platform:
  • Emerged in last 10-15 years
  • Shift from newspapers to radio
  • Families gathered to listen for news and entertainment

The Broadcast

• Mercury Theater on the Air: Part of CBC segment
• Target Audience: Fans of fictional radio theater/drama
• Directed and Narrated by Orson Welles:
  • Young but successful and well-known
  • Voice familiar, engaging to audiences
• Written by Howard Koch: Successful writer, known for sci-fi
• Based on H.G. Wells' Novel:
  • Pre-existing fan base
  • Reduced risk through familiar content

Program Design

• Format: Designed like a typical broadcast with musical interruptions for