War of the Worlds (broadcast)

The "War of the Worlds" broadcast was a 1938 radio dramatization of H.G. Wells' science fiction novel, narrated by Orson Welles. Presented as a news bulletin, it simulated a sudden alien invasion of Earth, causing some listeners to believe it was real. The realistic format and timing—broadcast on Halloween evening—led to widespread panic among a fraction of the audience. The event highlighted the power of mass media and raised awareness about the potential influence of broadcasted content on public perception and behavior. It remains a notable example of media impact and psychological response to simulated news.