War of the Worlds Panic

After listening to the War of the Worlds broadcast from 1938 I can definitely see how people were convinced the martian invasion was real. If it was adapted for radio today I think it might even cause a similar disturbance. People are gullible and with the format it was presented in- it all makes sense.

The format of the broadcast was intentional to make headlines and cause panic. The way the music is cut in and out and the weather bulletin is given makes it seem like it's really happening. It goes beyond just immersing the audience in the story. I believe the broadcasters knew the implications of what they were doing which is why the disclaimer is present at the end. If they didn't foresee panic happening there would have been no reason for them to include it.

Welles and CBS definitely got the press they wanted the next day.

Full broadcast here: