The night of October 30, 1938, marked a pivotal moment in media history when Orson Welles' radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' 'War of the Worlds' caused unprecedented panic across the United States. Contrary to popular belief that the hysteria was confined to the East Coast, new findings by bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove reveal the panic was nationwide, with reports of chaos from coast to coast. His book, Dead Air the Night Orson Welles Terrified America, published by Rowman and Littlefield, delves into previously unreported accounts of the event's aftermath.
Hazelgrove's research uncovers stories of individuals abandoning their homes, confessing sins, and even attempting suicide, all under the belief that Martians were invading Earth. The broadcast's realistic news bulletin format, complete with simulated news flashes and dead air, convinced thousands of an alien attack, leading to jammed switchboards and a military alert clarifying the fictional nature of the program. The author's extensive review of newspapers from the era paints a picture of a country gripped by fear, challenging the revisionist history that downplays the broadcast's impact.
The implications of Hazelgrove's findings are significant, not only for historians but also for contemporary discussions on media influence and 'fake news'. The 1938 broadcast serves as an early example of how media can manipulate public perception, a topic increasingly relevant in today's digital age. The book's release prompts a reevaluation of the power of media and the responsibility of those who wield it, offering lessons from the past that resonate in the present.
For more information on William Elliott Hazelgrove and his work, visit his website. 'Dead Air the Night Orson Welles Terrified America' is now available, shedding new light on one of the most infamous moments in broadcasting history.
