The Wicked Witch Broadcast: A Cautionary Tale

The Wicked Witch Broadcast was a groundbreaking event in the history of broadcasting. It took place on the evening of October 30, 1938, when a radio drama adapted from The War of the Worlds was aired over the CBS radio network. The drama was presented as a series of news bulletins and realistic interviews, causing panic among listeners who believed that an actual alien invasion was taking place. The broadcast, directed and narrated by Orson Welles, was a masterful example of storytelling and radio production. Its realistic nature and the fact that it was presented in such a believable manner caused many listeners to panic and believe that Earth was being invaded by Martians. People across the United States tuned in to the broadcast halfway through, missing the introduction which stated that it was a work of fiction.

Last edited by silentfilm on Thu Jul 21, 2022 6:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Embedded YouTube links

It seemed to be a continuation of the character she performed in 1939, but just a little bit more mature and more chagrined, perhaps due to her being melted by water. One of the Holy Grails of lost TV shows is Margaret Hamilton s 1976 appearance on SESAME STREET as the Wicked Witch, a segment which backfired and ended up scaring enough children it was withdrawn from circulation and remained unseen for decades.

People across the United States tuned in to the broadcast halfway through, missing the introduction which stated that it was a work of fiction. As a result, panic spread quickly, with people retreating to their homes, calling family and friends, and even seeking shelter in churches. The Wicked Witch Broadcast highlighted the power of mass media and the influence it holds over the public.

The Wicked Witch Broadcast

Unread post by The Blackbird » Tue Jul 19, 2022 11:47 am

One of the "Holy Grails" of lost TV shows is Margaret Hamilton's 1976 appearance on SESAME STREET as the Wicked Witch, a segment which backfired and ended up scaring enough children it was withdrawn from circulation and remained unseen for decades. It's back!

Last edited by silentfilm on Thu Jul 21, 2022 6:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Embedded YouTube links

Re: SESAME STREET "WICKED WITCH" Episode Recovered

Unread post by mwalls » Wed Jul 20, 2022 12:16 pm

Thanks for posting. I was a couple of years too old to have seen it on its first run, but fun to see it now.

Re: SESAME STREET "WICKED WITCH" Episode Recovered

Unread post by itzacat » Wed Jul 20, 2022 10:11 pm

I thought Margaret Hamilton's performance as The Wicked Witch of the West in "Sesame Street" was terrific! It seemed to be a continuation of the character she performed in 1939, but just a little bit more mature and more chagrined, perhaps due to her being melted by water. I loved the irony of the Witch making it rain in the little store, and the handicap of not being able to touch the broom directly from somebody else's grasp. It was very entertaining for a cheap 1970s children's show, due to Ms. Hamilton's bewitching performance. It didn't come off as especially scary, just eccentric.

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Thanks for posting. I was a couple of years too old to have seen it on its first run, but fun to see it now.

It demonstrated how easily people can be swayed by what they hear, and how the line between reality and fiction can be blurred. The incident served as a wake-up call for broadcasters and the Federal Communications Commission, leading to stricter regulations and guidelines for broadcasting. Overall, the Wicked Witch Broadcast remains a significant event in broadcasting history, illustrating the impact of media on society and the importance of responsible storytelling. It serves as a reminder of the power that broadcasters hold in shaping public perception and emphasizes the need for accurate and responsible reporting..

Reviews for "The Wicked Witch Broadcast: A Trailblazer in Audio Horror"

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The Wicked Witch Broadcast and the Power of Fear