Media History: Newspapers and the Mass Press

Summary

The video explores the evolution of mass media, beginning with the Industrial Revolution and the rise of affordable newspapers like the penny press. It details how technological innovations reduced production costs, making news accessible to the general public. The rise of yellow journalism, investigative reporting, and the impact of key figures like Benjamin Day and William Randolph Hearst are discussed. It also covers major journalism milestones like the Watergate scandal, the challenges faced by local newspapers in the digital age, and the rise of platforms like Craigslist that transformed the industry.

Takeaways

• ⚙️ The mass press started with the Industrial Revolution, transforming newspapers with steam-powered presses and machine-made paper, drastically lowering production costs.
• 📉 Before this revolution, newspapers were expensive, costing 6 cents per copy and sold via yearly subscriptions for $10-$12, unaffordable for most workers.
• 📰 In 1833, Benjamin Day founded the New York Sun, setting the price at one penny per copy, marking the beginning of the Penny Press era.
• 👦 The Penny Press expanded circulation dramatically but relied on cheap child labor, which created ethical issues.
• 🎭 Yellow journalism, known for sensational stories on crime, celebrities, and scandals, emerged in the mid-to-late 1800s, named after the popular comic character 'Yellow Kid'.
• 👨‍💼 Newspaper moguls like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer used sensationalism to gain readership and wield political influence, exemplified by Hearst’s role in pushing the U.S. toward the Spanish-American War.
• 🔍 Amid the rise of yellow journalism, investigative journalism also emerged, exposing corruption and abuse of power, with notable muckrakers like Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell.
• 🏛️ Objective journalism gained prominence with the New York Times under Adolf Ochs, offering fact-based reporting for an upscale, well-educated audience and becoming known as the 'paper of record'.
• 💻 In the 2000s, newspapers faced declining revenues due to online classifieds like Craigslist and competition from digital advertising platforms like Facebook and Google.
• 📉 Local newspapers are in crisis, leading to news deserts in the U.S., which threatens local journalism, civic engagement, and increases risks of unreported corruption.

Q & A

What impact did the Industrial Revolution have on the newspaper industry?

The Industrial Revolution introduced steam-powered presses and machine-made paper, significantly lowering production costs and enabling mass production of newspapers. This transformed the newspaper industry, making papers more affordable and accessible to the general public.

What was the 'penny press' and why was it significant?

The penny press was a wave of cheaply produced newspapers, costing just one cent per copy, initiated by Benjamin Day's New York Sun in 1833. It made newspapers accessible to the working class, marking the birth of the mass press.

How did yellow journalism affect the newspaper industry in the late 1800s?

Yellow journalism, characterized by sensationalized and dramatic stories, gained popularity in the late 1800s. It increased newspaper sales but also drew criticism for prioritizing profit over journalistic integrity. This style was epitomized by the rivalry between William Randolph Hearst's New York Journal and Joseph Pulitzer's New York World.

Who were the muckrakers and what role did they play in journalism?

Muckrakers were investigative journalists from the late 1800s to the early 1900s who exposed corruption and illegal activities by powerful institutions. Notable muckrakers like Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell published groundbreaking reports that led to significant social and political reforms.

What was the significance of Upton Sinclair’s work in the early 1900s?

Upton Sinclair's investigative journalism, particularly his book *The Jungle*, exposed unsafe working conditions in the meatpacking industry. His work led to public outcry and forced the U.S. government to pass laws improving workplace safety and working conditions.

How did the New York Times distinguish itself from yellow journalism under Adolf Ochs?

Under Adolf Ochs, the New York Times focused on accurate, fact-based reporting, avoiding sensational headlines. It became known for its objective journalism and served a more upscale, educated audience, earning a reputation as the 'paper of record.'

What was the role of local newspapers in their communities during the mid-20th century?

Local newspapers served as informational hubs for their communities, offering not only news but also classifieds, birth and death announcements, and local events. They were a crucial source of information and engagement for residents.

How did Craigslist and other online platforms impact the newspaper industry?

Craigslist and other free online platforms significantly reduced newspapers' classified ad revenue by offering a cheaper or free alternative for listings like jobs, rentals, and personal ads. This led to major financial losses for newspapers, contributing to their decline.

What is the 'news desert' phenomenon, and why is it concerning?

News deserts refer to U.S. counties with one or no local newspapers, a growing problem as local papers shut down. This lack of local journalism is concerning because it could lead to increased corruption and reduced civic engagement, with fewer reporters covering local events and governance.

What legacy did the Watergate scandal leave for journalism?

The Watergate scandal, uncovered by Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, highlighted the power of investigative journalism in holding powerful figures accountable. Their work led to President Nixon's resignation and set a high standard for investigative reporting.