* Immediacy and Realism: By mimicking the format of a real news broadcast, Welles created a sense of urgency and immediacy that made listeners feel like they were experiencing the events in real time. This was amplified by the use of sound effects, dramatic music, and the panicked voices of "witnesses."
* Suspension of Disbelief: The realistic presentation allowed listeners to suspend their disbelief and truly believe that the events were happening. The broadcast's credibility was further enhanced by the use of "experts" and "official sources," who added to the illusion of authenticity.
* Fear and Panic: The dramatic nature of the broadcast, with its graphic descriptions of alien attacks and the ensuing chaos, instilled a deep sense of fear and panic in many listeners. The fact that the broadcast was presented as a live event heightened the impact of these descriptions.
* Exploitation of Public Anxiety: The "War of the Worlds" broadcast coincided with a period of heightened anxiety and fear in the United States, fueled by the ongoing Second World War and the Cold War. This existing anxiety made the broadcast even more believable and impactful.
In summary, Welles's decision to present the "War of the Worlds" as a live news broadcast was a brilliant and effective storytelling technique that used elements of realism, immediacy, and fear to create a highly believable and impactful experience for listeners.