Question

Why does the radio version of the War of the Worlds include an interview with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior?

a. to show the broadcast was sponsored by the government
b. to help the audience understand what was happening
c. to add credibility to the broadcast and make it seem more real
d. to make people angry that the government was wasting time to allow the audience to hear from a real member of the government.
e. to help people realize the serious nature of the event

Answer 1

The radio version of the War of the Worlds included an interview with a government official to enhance its realism and credibility, effectively mimicking the authoritative tone of actual news broadcasts of the era.

Step-by-step explanation:

The radio version of the War of the Worlds includes an interview with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to add credibility to the broadcast and make it seem more real. This strategic inclusion was a form of media influence similar to propaganda, which plays a significant role in shaping public perception. Given that radio was a primary source of news and entertainment during the 1930s, featuring a high-ranking government official in the broadcast would make the fictitious invasion appear more plausible to the audience.

Moreover, the element of realism was crucial to the impact of the broadcast. At the time, the American public was accustomed to hearing authoritative figures discuss important matters over the radio, as exemplified by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 'fireside chats.' Thus, the interview effectively tapped into the audience's expectations of how serious news would be presented, heightening the dramatic effect and causing widespread alarm.