Orson Welles' 'War of the Worlds': Lessons on media literacy – DW – 10/13/2025

Breaking News: "War of the Worlds" Radio Broadcast Sparks Global Media Literacy Debate On October 30, 1938, a live radio broadcast on CBS's "Mercury Theatre on the Air" program caused widespread panic among listeners in the United States. The show's adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel "The War of the Worlds," presented as a news report, described a Martian invasion of New Jersey. Timeline: 8:00 PM EST: Listeners tuning in to dance music on CBS radio network hear a news flash interrupting the program. 8:02 PM EST: A series of unusual explosions are reported on Mars, and a mass of hydrogen gas is moving toward Earth. 8:04 PM EST: A strange object lands in a field in rural New Jersey, sparking chaos among listeners. Immediate Impact and Response: The broadcast caused widespread panic, with some listeners believing the events were real. Many called newspapers and radio stations to ask if the reports were true. The show's host, Orson Welles, later clarified that it was a work of fiction, but not before the incident sparked a national debate about media literacy. Background Context: The "War of the Worlds" broadcast was part of a larger trend in 1930s radio programming, which often blurred the lines between fact and fiction. The show's use of news-style reporting and expert testimony added to the confusion among listeners. This incident marked one of the first times that media literacy became a major concern for audiences worldwide. What Happens Next: In the aftermath of the broadcast, CBS issued an apology, and Orson Welles clarified that it was a work of fiction. The incident sparked a global conversation about media literacy, with many experts calling for greater transparency in reporting. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on digital media, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. Sources: Hulton Archive, Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) archives, and various news reports from 1938. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Dw reporting.*