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The War of the Worlds
What can Orson Welles' legendary broadcast teach us about fake news and misinformation?
In 1938, Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds radio broadcast stunned America. Reports claimed it caused mass panic, with listeners believing Martians had truly invaded, and fleeing their homes in terror. But how much of that panic was real, and how much was media hype?
In this episode we're joined by author A. Brad Schwartz. He helps us to separate fact from fiction, and explains what this story tells us about the power of mass media and the spread of misinformation.
Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Tim Arstall.
All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3Media.
Dan Snow's History Hit is a History Hit podcast.
