The War of Worlds Broadcast

“The War of Worlds” Broadcast is a unique example of listeners being truly brought into the realm of the supernatural without any notion that what they are experiencing is not reality. In 1938 a radio station re-enacted a portion of “The War of the Worlds” as a Halloween Prank, but because the broadcast lasted an hour listeners that tuned in after the short introduction didn’t know that the broadcast was a prank. As a result the listeners believed a Martian invasion had occurred and thus experienced the supernatural while in the realm of reality. The manner by which the broadcast is portrayed creates a sense of false relaxation in the listener followed by anxiety and fear. Initially the broadcast is filled with joyful music and occasional interruptions with news about odd occurrences in space. The news is short-lived; however, and the programming returns quickly to playing music, causing the listener to believe there is no need for alarm. But as the act progresses the news interruptions become more frequent and the reporters have a sense of anxiety and bewilderment in their voices.  It is important to note that the scientist that are portrayed are initially reporting that they have full understanding of the occurrences but as the broadcast progresses the scientist are unable to explain the apparent “alien” invasion. The fact that scientist, the voice of reason for society, are unable to explain the assumed alien beings creates a sense of fear in the listener. The lack of confidence in both the reporters and scientist causes the listener to enter into a state of panic. Thus through the use of sound the creators of the broadcast were able to create a supernatural occurrence in the realm of reality.