Assignment:
Listen to at least 10 minutes of Orsen Welles' ORIGINAL War of the Worlds broadcast from 1938. addressing the impact this form of media (radio) had on society at that time and answer the following questions.
Why was this broadcast believable?
What was the radio's role in society and mass communication during the 1930s?
Feel free to listen to random sections. Pay attention to the way the announcer makes the events seem realistic and comment on what broadcast devices he uses (sound effects, voice inflection, etc). Make some notes about the intensity of the broadcast.
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Title: The Impact of Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" Broadcast
Introduction:
In the late 1930s, Orson Welles delivered a groundbreaking radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds" that caused widespread panic and fear among listeners. This assignment explores the believability of the broadcast and the role of radio in society and mass communication during that period.
1. Why was this broadcast believable?
- Realistic portrayal: Orson Welles and his team created an immersive experience that blurred the line between fiction and reality. The broadcast was presented as a series of news bulletins interrupting regular programming, mimicking the style of emergency broadcasts.
- Familiar format: Radio was a trusted medium during the 1930s, relied upon for news and entertainment. The use of this medium lent credibility to the broadcast, as listeners were accustomed to receiving factual information through radio.
- Voice inflection and broadcast devices: Orson Welles utilized voice inflections to convey urgency and a sense of panic, enhancing the believability of the unfolding events. Sound effects, such as sirens, gunfire, and screams, heightened the realism and intensity of the narrative.
2. The radio's role in society and mass communication during the 1930s:
- Primary source of information: Radio was the primary means of news dissemination, and families would gather around their radios to listen to the latest updates. With limited television and print media, radio provided immediate access to news and entertainment.
- Entertainment and escapism: Radio programs offered an escape from the hardships of the Great Depression and provided a platform for drama, comedy, music, and cultural programming. Listening to the radio was a popular leisure activity for individuals and families alike.
- Community building: Radio fostered a sense of community by connecting individuals across vast distances. Families would engage in shared experiences by tuning in to popular radio shows or news broadcasts, allowing for a shared cultural experience.
Observations on the intensity of the broadcast:
- The "War of the Worlds" broadcast had an unprecedented intensity due to the manner in which it was presented. The program immediately grabbed listeners' attention by mimicking real news bulletins, leaving no introduction to signal the fictional nature of the narrative.
- Through their narrative devices and sound effects, the broadcasters heightened the intensity as the story progressed. From the initial reports of strange objects landing in New Jersey to the relentless advance of the Martian tripods, the broadcast built tension and maintained a sense of urgency.
- The use of voice inflection, sound effects, and sporadic breaks in the broadcast created an atmosphere of chaos and panic. Listeners responded by contacting authorities, fleeing their homes, and even arming themselves to combat the perceived threat.
Conclusion:
Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" broadcast showcased the immense power of radio as a mass communication medium and its ability to blur the boundaries between fiction and reality. By employing immersive techniques and capitalizing on the trust placed in radio, Welles created a broadcast that instilled genuine fear and panic in its listeners, leaving a lasting impact on society.
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