The Broadcast of "War of the World" in 1938 On November 2, 1938, a nationwide radio station broadcast a radio show that was based on the best seller, War of the Worlds, by H.G. Wells. The play was performed by many people, namely Orsen Wells and John Houseman. It was during a time when the radio was the primary source of entertainment. People throughout America tuned in to listen to their favorite radio show or for some music to dance to, but instead heard a special news bulletin reporting that Martians were landing on Earth. The Martians were first sited in Groves Mill, New Jersey and r