Among the most prominent moments in American media history would be Orson Welles's

October 30, 1938 radio telecast of "The War of the Worlds." This staged edition of H.G. Wells's

1932 science fiction novel concerning an alien invasion triggered anxiety and hysteria amongst

listeners who assumed Earth was under siege. While the broadcast itself only lasted one hour, its

influence is years in American culture and society. This essay will discuss the frightening

rhetoric of paranoia which Welles utilized in "The War of the Worlds" and how this rhetoric

manipulated emotions and perceptions amongst audiences. By previewing the broadcast's

framework, content, and style I hope to explain exactly why it prompted such a powerful

response amongst listeners at the time. Lastly, this examination aims to clarify media as agents

of persuasive media, shaping public perception and collective behavior. Understanding the

historical background of "The War of the Worlds" broadcast will enhance our appreciation of

Welles's initial storytelling and timely reflection on current media habits.