Seventieth Anniversary of Panic
‘War of the Worlds’ Broadcast Oct. 30

WHAV airs radio’s most famous broadcast, “War of the Worlds,” Oct 30 – 70 years to the day it sent the nation into panic. A documentary, commemorating the anniversary, will also be heard.

Orson Welles and “The Mercury Theater on the Air” based the play on the 1898 novel by H. G. Wells. However, the radio version used simulated news bulletins to announce the Martian invasion of Earth. The result was widespread panic as many Americans fled their homes to escape the Martian “death ray.”

Locally, The Boston Globe reported one woman “claimed she could ‘see the fire’ and said she and many others in her neighborhood were ‘getting out of here.’”

WHAV is also airing “The Making of the War of the Worlds Broadcast” by award-winning radio producer and voice actor Joe Bevilacqua (not to be confused with the local Chamber czar and school committeeman). Bevilacqua looks at how the landmark broadcast came about, and examines its impact on broadcast history. The half-hour program includes rare interviews with Mercury Theater producer John Houseman and writer Howard Koch, actor Arthur Anderson and the people of Grover’s Mill, N.J. who lived through the “Martian Invasion.”

WHAV will broadcast the documentary at 9:30 p.m., Eastern, Thursday, Oct. 30, followed by the full one-hour “War of the Worlds” program. Both will be repeated three hours later.

During the program’s intermission, WHAV will announce the winners of audio CDs of the broadcast. To enter, register here and listen for your name to be announced.

WHAV Returns to AM Airwaves at 1640

At The North Parish Transmission Center, new AM transmitting equipment, right, seems inspired by a vintage Gates BC-1T transmitter, left, that serves only as a mascot.

WHAV has returned to the airwaves at 1,640 kHz on the AM dial.

The station is testing a low power transmitter in Haverhill’s North Parish neighborhood between Interstate 495 and Plaistow, N.H. border. A second transmitter is planned for Ward Hill.

WHAV is using a fully certified Hamilton Rangemaster transmitter, as authorized by Part 15 of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules.

Comments on the range and quality of the signal are appreciated. Use the Contact form to report where you heard the station and the quality of the broadcast. You may also write:

WHAV
189 Ward Hill Avenue
Ward Hill, MA 01835

Or call (978) 374-2111.

Music Charts

(Listed alphabetically by performer)

Sara Bareilles, Love Song
Natasha Bedingfield, Pocketful of Sunshine
Coldplay, Viva La Vida
Simon Collins, Unconditional
David Cook, The Time Of My Life
Daughtry, Feels Like Tonight
Celine Dion, My Love
Leona Lewis, Bleeding Love
Taylor Swift, Teardrops On My Guitar
Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic, Apologize

WHAV October Listener Picks

Bee Gees, I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You
Andy Kim, Rock Me Gently
The New Seekers, I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing
Harry Nilsson, Everybody’s Talkin’
Peter, Paul & Mary, I Dig Rock and Roll Music
Wilson Pickett, Mustang Sally
The Rascals, How Can I Be Sure
Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Dancing In the Street
Paul Revere and the Raiders, Kicks
Johnny Rivers, The Tracks of My Tears

What’s your favorite?  Complete the Listen & Win form or call (978) 374-2111 with your favorites and be entered to win free stereo headphones .

Employment Opportunity

Break Into e-Media Sales

Xelocast, the region’s pioneer Internet radio group, seeks full-time, highly motivated advertising sales account executives. Part-time candidates will be considered. Prior sales experience is preferred. Excellent commission rate plus benefits including a 401(k) plan with company match.

Xelocast is an equal opportunity employer. Send letter and resume to Xelocast, c/o WHAV, 189 Ward Hill Avenue, Ward Hill, MA 01835 or via e- mail to [email protected]. No telephone calls please.