In 1938, one radio broadcast made Americans think the world was ending: The incredible true story behind the ‘War of the Worlds’ panic

A 1938 radio drama adaptation of The War of the Worlds caused confusion among listeners. Many Americans believed they were hearing real news of a Martian invasion. This broadcast highlighted the public’s trust in radio as an authoritative information source. Historians question the extent of the widespread panic initially reported. The event remains a significant lesson in media’s power to influence public perception.