Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welles's War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News

Name: Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welles's War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News
Price: 33.98 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (54 reviews)

4.4 of 5 Stars: Radio - Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welles's War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News

$33.98

Buying Options

Description

Book Synopsis: On the evening of October 30, 1938, radio listeners across the United States heard a startling report of a meteor strike in the New Jersey countryside. With sirens blaring in the background, announcers in the field described mysterious creatures, terrifying war machines, and thick clouds of poison gas moving toward New York City. As the invading force approached Manhattan, some listeners sat transfixed, while others ran to alert neighbors or to call the police. Some even fled their homes. But the hair-raising broadcast was not a real news bulletin-it was Orson Welles's adaptation of the H. G. Wells classic The War of the Worlds. In Broadcast Hysteria, A. Brad Schwartz boldly retells the story of Welles's famed radio play and its impact. Did it really spawn a "wave of mass hysteria," as The New York Times reported? Schwartz is the first to examine the hundreds of letters sent to Orson Welles himself in the days after the broadcast, and his findings challenge the conventional wisdom. Few listeners believed an actual attack was under way. But even so, Schwartz shows that Welles's broadcast became a major scandal, prompting a different kind of mass panic as Americans debated the bewitching power of the radio and the country's vulnerability in a time of crisis. When the debate was over, American broadcasting had changed for good, but not for the better. As Schwartz tells this story, we observe how an atmosphere of natural disaster and impending war permitted broadcasters to create shared live national experiences for the first time. We follow Orson Welles's rise to fame and watch his manic energy and artistic genius at work in the play's hurried yet innovative production. And we trace the present-day popularity of "fake news" back to its source in Welles's show and its many imitators. Schwartz's original research, gifted storytelling, and thoughtful analysis make Broadcast Hysteria a groundbreaking new look at a crucial but little-understood episode in American history.

Details

In today's era of "fake news," understanding the origins and impact of this phenomenon is more important than ever. That's why you need to get your hands on "Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welles's War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News." This captivating book by A. Brad Schwartz takes you back to the evening of October 30, 1938 - a night that changed the course of American broadcasting forever.

Picture this: radio listeners across the United States gripped by fear as they hear a live report of a meteor strike in New Jersey. Panic spreads as the broadcast describes menacing creatures, war machines, and poisonous gas approaching New York City. But here's the twist - it was all a radio play! Orson Welles's adaptation of the H. G. Wells classic, The War of the Worlds, captivated audiences and sparked a nationwide debate.

With meticulous research, Schwartz delves into the aftermath of the broadcast, giving us a glimpse into the hundreds of letters sent to Orson Welles himself. Contrary to popular belief, this book reveals that the majority of listeners did not truly believe in an actual attack. However, the controversy surrounding the broadcast ignited a different kind of panic - one that made Americans question the power and influence of the radio during times of crisis.

Through fascinating storytelling, Schwartz unveils how this incident changed American broadcasting forever. He takes us on a journey, tracing Orson Welles's rise to fame and highlighting his brilliant yet frenetic energy in creating the play. Additionally, Schwartz connects the dots between the broadcast and the present-day proliferation of "fake news," showing us how the seeds were sown and continue to affect our society.

If you crave a groundbreaking perspective on a pivotal moment in American history, "Broadcast Hysteria" is a must-read. Immerse yourself in Schwartz's thorough analysis and witness the birth of shared live national experiences. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain insight into the captivating power of the radio and its lasting impact on our media landscape.

Ready to dive into the captivating world of "Broadcast Hysteria"? Order your copy today and uncover the truth behind an influential moment in American history. Click here to order now!

See All Buying Options...

More Details...