You’ve probably heard the story by now – how Orson Welles’ 1938 broadcast of “The War Of The Worlds” sparked a panic in the U.S. when listeners thought aliens were landing in New Jersey. Those stories of people fleeing in fear were exaggerated of course, but now comes the tale of another “fake radio newscast”-type presentation that really did have the public in fear – and if you’re like me, you’ve likely never heard about it.
 
What’s really amazing is that it happened in 1926 – a full 12 years before that infamous CBS Halloween broadcast. And just to make it even better, it turns out it took place during what was meant to be a comedy show.

In Britain.

On the BBC!
 
This fascinating tale is outlined at the link below, and with all the hype that surrounds the Welles show, I’m surprised it isn’t more famous. But now every time "War" gets rerun on October 31st,   I’ll always wonder if Welles heard about this and used it as his inspiration.  
 
Big Ben blown up: the radio sketch that sent Britain into a panic

Last edited by RadioActive (September 2, 2016 9:49 am)