BROADCAST HYSTERIA Orson Welles's War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News

Though Schwartz’s detailed account of Orson Welles’s famous “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast in June 1938 can stand on its own, Sean Runnette’s narration enhances the experience and helps listeners feel the full impact of the work. In a deep but gentle voice, he deftly moves through each chapter, choosing the right emphasis, speed, and tone for each moment. Even when rereading passages from the radio script, Runnette captures the right tone and energy from the original production. Schwartz provides a unique take on the event by pulling together different elements such as the history of radio news broadcasting, Orson Welles’s background, and the cultural context of the 1930s. L.E. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2015]