Final answer:
The producers of the 'War of the Worlds' broadcast made it believable by presenting it as a series of live radio news reports with sound effects and realistic performances, leading to widespread panic among listeners.
Step-by-step explanation:
The producers of the War of the Worlds radio broadcast used several techniques to make the show believable. To create a sense of immediacy and realism, the production simulated a series of radio news reports, complete with interruptions of music programs, on-the-spot reporting, and interviews with 'experts'. This approach made the fictional invasion seem like a real event happening in real-time. Additionally, the use of sound effects, such as the sounds of marching Martians and their heat rays, enhanced the illusion that an alien invasion was taking place. The producers did not use any significant cuts in the script, which was originally an adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel.
These techniques proved incredibly effective, causing a widespread panic among those who tuned in late or did not hear the disclaimers explaining the fictional nature of the broadcast. The convincing performances by actors, including Orson Welles, further contributed to the realism of the broadcast. The panic that ensued demonstrated the power of media and the influence it can have on public perception.