Easy Guide to the War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast

Overview

• Focus: How the broadcast relates to the radio industry
• Relevant for AQA A-level Media Studies students
• War of the Worlds is a set text in the curriculum

Background on Radio and Newspapers

• Radio was becoming more popular for receiving news
• Decades of conflict in Europe (Hitler rising, discussions of imminent war)
• Radio provided more up-to-date news compared to newspapers

Columbia Broadcasting Company (CBC)

• American commercial radio station
• High need for ratings and revenue
• Likely to broadcast controversial shows to gain listeners

Mercury Theater on the Air

• Program segment on CBC
• Targeted audiences interested in radio drama
• War of the Worlds was part of this segment

Key Figures

Orson Welles

• Directed War of the Worlds
• Known as an auteur (director with a particular style)
• Successful in theater and radio; young prodigy
• Took inspiration from Ronald Knox’s Broadcasting the Barricades (1926)

Howard Koch

• Writer of War of the Worlds
• Known for Around the World in 80 Days, Hell on Ice, and success in sci-fi

Production Choices

Reducing Risk

• Based on an existing book (existing fan base)
• Set in modern-day New York rather than a historical setting for relatability
• Relatable and up-to-date setting made it more marketable

Live Performance

• Actors, voice-over artists, orchestra, and sound effects performed live
• Key in creating atmosphere and tension

Self-Regulation

• CBS made changes to avoid lawsuits (changed real names and companies to fictional ones)
• Reminders broadcast that content was fictional
• Acknowledged potential for controversy

Timing and Presentation

• Broadcast on October 30, a day before Halloween
• Orson Welles described it as a Halloween special
• Designed to be horrific and terrifying

Audience Reactions and Regulations

• Audience complaints made to the FCC (U.S. organization regulating radio)
• FCC investigated but didn’t punish Welles or CBS
• Resulted in a ban on fictionalized news reports
• Impact on future radio regulations

Publicity

• CBS enjoyed the publicity despite complaints
• Dropped story when Hitler referenced the broadcast
• Desired to avoid association with Hitler

Conclusion

• Channel contains more videos on War of the Worlds
• Open to suggestions for new video topics
• Encourages viewers to leave comments for requests