History of Media Literacy, Part 1: Crash Course Media Literacy #2

Summary

This script delves into the history and importance of media literacy, tracing its roots to ancient Greece with Plato's concerns about writing. It highlights the evolution of media technology, from the printing press to newspapers, and the impact on literacy and information dissemination. The narrative addresses the rise of sensationalist 'Yellow Journalism' and underscores the enduring need for critical media consumption skills to discern truth from sensationalism in the face of new media forms.

Takeaways

• 📚 Media literacy is a concept as old as media itself, with concerns about its effects dating back to ancient times.
• 📱 The advent of technologies like smartphones and the internet has made media literacy more crucial in modern times.
• 🗣️ Media literacy as a formal field emerged in the 1960s, with roots in various disciplines including philosophy, psychology, and sociology.
• 📜 Ancient Greek philosopher Plato was concerned about the impact of writing on memory and the potential for misinterpretation out of context.
• 📖 The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1452 democratized access to information and challenged the control of the powerful over knowledge.
• 📝 Martin Luther's translation of the Bible into German and the publication of his 95 Theses contributed to the Protestant Reformation and the democratization of religion.
• 📰 The development of newspapers as a mass medium in the 17th century marked a significant shift in media literacy, with initial government control giving way to a struggle for a free press.
• 💰 The Penny Press in the early 1800s made newspapers affordable and accessible to the masses, leading to concerns about sensationalism and profit over truth in journalism.
• 🎨 Yellow Journalism emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by sensational headlines, exaggerated stories, and prioritization of sales over journalistic integrity.
• 🌐 The history of media literacy is intertwined with the evolution of media technology, with each new medium requiring new skills to navigate and critique content effectively.
• 🔍 Media literacy today involves the ability to quickly analyze information, discern truth from sensationalism, and understand the impact of media on society.

Q & A

What is the significance of media literacy in today's world?

Media literacy is crucial as it equips individuals to critically analyze and understand the media they consume, especially in an era where technology like smartphones and the internet are prevalent.

When did the concept of media literacy begin to be recognized as a field?

The term 'media literacy' and its recognition as a field emerged around the 1960s, although the concerns it addresses have been present since the inception of media itself.

Which ancient Greek philosopher is known to have thought about the implications of media, particularly writing?

Plato, the classical Greek philosopher, considered the impact of writing in his dialogue 'Phaedrus,' expressing concerns about its effect on memory and the potential for misinterpretation.

What was Socrates' main concern about writing as discussed in Plato's 'Phaedrus'?

Socrates was concerned that writing would lead to forgetfulness, as people would rely on external marks rather than exercising their memory, and it could be used out of context without the author present to defend their thoughts.

How did the invention of the movable type printing press by Johannes Gutenberg change the landscape of media and literacy?

The invention of the movable type printing press in 1452 made print media easier to produce, leading to a rapid spread of books and pamphlets, and making literacy more accessible to a broader population.

Why was the rise of literacy and the printing press a problem for those in power and organized religion?

For those in power and organized religion, the rise of literacy threatened their control over information. It became more difficult to control or persuade subjects and interpret religious texts when a larger portion of the population could read.

What event is credited with sparking the Protestant Reformation and how did media play a role?

The Protestant Reformation was sparked by Martin Luther's publication of his 95 Theses in 1517. He challenged the church's monopoly on scriptural interpretation and translated the Bible into German, democratizing access to religious texts.

What is the 'Penny Press' and why was it significant in media history?

The 'Penny Press' refers to newspapers that were sold for a penny in the early 1800s. They were significant because they made news accessible and affordable to the middle and lower classes, contributing to the democratization of information.

What is 'Yellow Journalism' and how did it impact the media landscape at the turn of the 20th century?

Yellow Journalism is characterized by sensationalist headlines, exaggerated stories, and the use of illustrations to attract readers. It prioritized profit and sensationalism over journalistic integrity, impacting the media landscape by blurring the lines between news and entertainment.

How did the competition between Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst contribute to the rise of Yellow Journalism?

Pulitzer and Hearst competed for readership to attract larger advertisers, leading both to adopt Yellow Journalism practices. They sensationalized stories and used dramatic visuals to increase sales, contributing to a race to the bottom in terms of journalistic ethics.

What can the history of media literacy teach us about the relationship between media and society?

The history of media literacy shows that as media evolves, so do the skills needed to navigate it. It highlights the ongoing need for critical thinking and the ability to discern truth from sensationalism, as well as the importance of access to information in a democratic society.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Origins and Evolution of Media Literacy

This paragraph delves into the historical roots of media literacy, tracing its origins back to the concerns about the impact of media that have persisted since the advent of media itself. It highlights the pivotal role of the printing press in democratizing information and the subsequent challenges that emerged, such as the struggle for a free press in the American colonies. The paragraph also touches on the Protestant Reformation, illustrating how media literacy has been intrinsically linked to the broader social and political shifts throughout history. The narrative sets the stage for understanding the significance of media literacy in the context of evolving media technologies and the power dynamics they entail.

05:02

💸 The Rise of Penny Press and Yellow Journalism

This paragraph examines the commercialization of media through the era of the penny press in the 19th century, focusing on how the affordability and accessibility of newspapers transformed the media landscape. It discusses the business model of newspapers, which relied heavily on advertising revenue, leading to sensationalism and the rise of 'Yellow Journalism.' The paragraph provides a case study of the competition between Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, illustrating the tactics used to attract readers and increase profits, often at the expense of journalistic integrity. The summary also critiques the sensationalist approach to news reporting, emphasizing the importance of discerning truth from sensationalism in media literacy.

Keywords

💡Media Literacy

Media literacy refers to the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in various forms. It is a crucial skill in today's digital age, where information is abundant and often requires discernment. In the video, media literacy is portrayed as evolving with the development of media technologies, starting from the concerns raised by Plato about writing to the literacy needed for understanding newspapers and the sensationalism of yellow journalism.

💡Smartphones and the Internet

Smartphones and the internet are modern communication technologies that have significantly impacted how information is disseminated and consumed. The script emphasizes their role in making media literacy more important than ever, as they are platforms for both the spread of information and potential misinformation.

💡Plato

Plato, the classical Greek philosopher, is mentioned in the script as an early thinker concerned with the effects of media, specifically writing. He feared that writing would lead to forgetfulness and misuse of information, as it could be taken out of context, which is a foundational concern for media literacy.

💡Movable Type Printing Press

The invention of the movable type printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1452 revolutionized media distribution by making it easier and faster to produce printed materials. This invention democratized access to information, which is a key point in the discussion of media literacy and its historical development.

💡Martin Luther and the 95 Theses

Martin Luther, a German theologian, is highlighted for challenging the church's control over scriptural interpretation through his 95 Theses. His actions symbolize the democratization of information and the importance of literacy in religious and societal reformation, tying into the broader theme of media literacy.

💡Penny Press

The Penny Press refers to the inexpensive newspapers of the early 1800s that were accessible to the masses. They played a significant role in spreading information and shaping public opinion, illustrating the increasing importance of media literacy as a means to discern reliable news from sensationalism.

💡Yellow Journalism

Yellow Journalism is characterized by sensationalism and unethical practices in news reporting to attract readers and increase sales. The script uses the rivalry between Pulitzer and Hearst as an example, showing how media literacy is needed to navigate the sensational headlines and misleading stories that prioritize profit over truth.

💡Sensationalism

Sensationalism is the use of shocking or scandalous information to attract attention and increase the appeal of media content. The script criticizes this approach, particularly in the context of yellow journalism, where it overshadows accurate reporting and undermines media literacy.

💡Media Technology

Media technology encompasses the tools and systems used to create and distribute media content. The script traces the history of media literacy alongside advancements in media technology, from the printing press to newspapers and beyond, emphasizing the need for evolving literacy skills.

💡Democratization of Information

The democratization of information refers to the spread of access to information, particularly through the proliferation of printed materials and later digital media. The script discusses this concept in the context of the printing press and the penny press, highlighting how it has empowered individuals and challenged traditional power structures.

💡Thought Bubble

The 'Thought Bubble' in the script is a segment used to provide a closer look at specific examples or concepts, such as yellow journalism. It serves as a narrative device to illustrate and analyze the themes and issues related to media literacy in a more focused and engaging way.

Highlights

Media literacy is as old as media itself and has become more crucial with the advent of technologies like smartphones and the internet.

Concerns about media effects have shaped the development of new technologies, industries, and cultures throughout history.

Media literacy as a recognized term and field emerged in the 1960s, with roots in diverse disciplines including philosophy, psychology, and sociology.

Plato, the classical Greek philosopher, was concerned about the impact of writing on memory and context of ideas.

The invention of the movable type printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1452 revolutionized media production and accessibility.

The democratization of religion in the West was influenced by the printing press, enabling wider access to religious texts.

The history of media literacy is intertwined with media technology, with each new invention prompting discussions and fears.

The 17th century saw the emergence of newspapers as a new form of mass media, initially controlled by governments.

The struggle for an independent press in American colonies was linked to the fight for freedom from British control.

The Penny Press in the early 1800s democratized news, making it accessible even to the lower classes.

The rise of advertising revenue led to sensationalism in newspapers, prioritizing profit over journalistic integrity.

Yellow Journalism, characterized by sensational headlines and exaggerated stories, emerged in the late 19th century.

The competition between Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst exemplified the race for readership and profit in the media industry.

Media literacy involves adapting to new skills required by each new medium, from quill to television.

The transcript explores the historical evolution of media literacy, emphasizing its continuous adaptation to technological changes.

Crash Course Media Literacy is produced by Complexly, offering a comprehensive look at the subject's history and implications.

Transcripts

Questions of media literacy – what it means, who should have it, and how they should get it – are as old as media itself.

Technologies like smartphones and the internet have made media literacy more important than ever.

But concerns about media and their effects have been around a long, long time.

Many of the arguments for and against media have shaped how new technologies, industries, and cultures have developed throughout history.

Media literacy as a term or a field didn’t become “a thing” until around the 1960’s.

Before it became the work of communications scholars and media professionals, thinking about communication was (and often still is) led by

philosophers, psychologists, sociologists, linguists, and critical theorists.

It’s an ancient problem that even Plato, the classical Greek philosopher, thought a lot about.

[Theme Music]

In the Phaedrus, a dialogue he wrote around 370 BCE, Plato imagines a conversation between his teacher, Socrates, and one of their friends, Phaedrus.

Socrates and Phaedrus start off talking about love and end up debating the best way to give a speech.

But you know what was really bugging Socrates, what he thought was the biggest problem in Greek society?

Writing things down.

He writes, “If men learn this, it will implant forgetfulness in their souls;

they will cease to exercise memory because they rely on that which is written,

calling things to remembrance no longer from within themselves, but by means of external marks.

What you have discovered is a recipe not for memory, but for reminder.

That’s right. Plato was dark.

He thought leaving your words on paper, just lying around, would encourage others to use them out of context.

If you were there in person, though, you could defend your thoughts and talk them out with the listener.

And if you’ve ever said something dumb on the internet, you know the man’s got a point.

So the root of media literacy concerns is really just straight up literacy, learning to read and write.

In Plato’s day, and for centuries after, information was often shared by word of mouth and, for most people, education was informal.

If you were lucky and rich, you might’ve shared info through hand-written media like letters and codices (a type of pre-book book).

Or you might’ve studied alongside a master or scholar and learned from handmade manuscripts.

These were very expensive and time consuming to make, so very few people had the means to become educated and literate.

But all that changed when Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable type printing press in 1452.

Suddenly, print media was easier to produce, and books and pamphlets could be shared crazy fast –

well, as fast as your fastest horse could go, this was the 15th century.

As media became cheaper, more people had the means to become literate.

For people in power, this was a huge problem.

It’s much easier for a government to control or persuade their subjects with the word of law when most of them can’t read.

Organized religion had a similar problem.

Before the printing press was invented, most of the church-going public couldn’t even read the Bible; they relied on the clergy to interpret it.

In 1517, German theologian Martin Luther started pushing the buttons of the Roman Catholic Church by publishing his 95 Theses.

He claimed the church didn’t and shouldn’t have the only power to interpret scripture.

He even translated the Bible from Latin to German to grant access to everyday people.

The idea that suddenly parishioners could interpret the Bible for themselves was a major shake-up.

His revelations eventually led to the Protestant Reformation and a democratization of religion in the West.

(Though, Luther’s impact wasn’t all roses – today his more antisemitic views are pretty hard to stomach.)

The history of media literacy closely follows the history of media technology – with each new invention, discussions and fears follow.

Just as Plato was wary of the written word, government and religious leaders were very wary of the printed word.

Those in power wanted to be gatekeepers for information – and prohibiting access to media, of course, makes media literacy impossible.

Media literacy really becomes important three centuries later, with a new medium – the world’s first MASS media: the newspaper.

Publications of local news date back to Plato’s era.

But the type we think of today – a regularly published document quickly and cheaply covering major events for the masses – didn’t really form until the 17th century.

And at first, no surprise, most of them were government-controlled.

But as the print media industry began to take shape, people fought for a free press.

This was especially true in the American colonies, where the struggle for an independent press was tied up with their struggle for freedom from British control.

By the early 1800’s the newspaper begins to become a democratizing force.

This is the era of the Penny Press.

Called the Penny Press because they cost – you guessed it – a penny, these papers were incredibly popular.

They spread like wildfire, especially among the middle and lower classes.

Suddenly, anyone, even an unlikely street kid without two pennies to rub together could be in the know and feel like they were King of the World!

Newspapers weren’t just about educating the masses.

They were also about making lots of money.

Penny paper owner Benjamin H. Day, printed this motto atop every issue of The New York Sun:

"The object of this paper is to lay before the public, at a price within the means of every one,

all the news of the day, and at the same time offer an advantageous medium for advertisements."

By the mid 1800’s, the penny presses were making so much money from ads that people worried about publishers choosing profit over truth.

The more publishers relied on advertising revenue to pay the bills, the more sensational papers became.

This trend came to a head around the turn of the 20th century.

In the late 1890’s, Joseph Pulitzer (Pulitzer like the Prize), a self-made, traditional newspaper man who owned the New York World,

and William Randolph Hearst, a young mining heir who wanted to emulate Pulitzer and owned the New York Journal, went head to head.

They both wanted their papers in as many hands as humanly possible to attract bigger and better advertisers.

The two papers began ramping up their stories, focusing less on getting the facts straight and more on getting more readers and more cash.

This became known as Yellow Journalism.

Yellow journalists used bold, scary or misleading headlines; faked interviews and exaggerated stories;

and used lots of splashy pictures and illustrations, and did anything else they could do to sell a paper.

They prioritized sensationalism over professionalism and journalistic ethics.

They thrived on scandals, sports, crime, and self-promotion.

Good thing we don’t have to worry about that kind of thing today.

Let’s head into the Thought Bubble for a closer look.

Here we have a classic example from the peak of yellow journalism.

This article is from Pulitzer’s The New York World, published in February 1898.

The main front page story is about the sinking of a U.S. battleship, the Maine, in Havana Harbor a few days earlier.

Cuba, which was colonised by Spain, was in the middle of a revolution.

The U.S.S. Maine was there as a show of power to protect U.S. interests in Cuban independence.

But it was also a gesture to ease tensions that were growing between the U.S. and Spain.

Then suddenly, in the middle of the night February 15, an explosion tore apart the Maine.

It sunk, killing 260 men.

Let’s take a look at this headline about the sinking.

“Maine Explosion Caused By Bomb or Torpedo?” question mark

Well that’s not a suspicious use of punctuation or anything.

Even today, the cause of the Maine’s sinking is unclear.

A naval inquiry held in 1898 concluded a mine laid in the harbor had exploded.

But today, some experts believe the explosion was internal, caused by a coal bunker fire.

EIther way, two days later in 1898, no one knew what happened.

But Pulitzer’s paper didn’t hesitate before taking a guess.

During their stand-off, both Pulitzer and Hearst stoked tensions between the U.S. and Spain to sell papers.

With this headline the New York World helped to spread rumors about enemy involvement in the sinking.

Notice the huge, ginormous illustration.

It takes up nearly the whole page!

This visual re-telling of the explosion – complete with bodies strewn around and flames shooting into the air – is so dramatic.

Since the paper didn’t have a photograph of the event, they dramatized it with a gory graphic to grab your attention.

Finally, take a look at the subheadlines (often called the “deck” of a story).

They’re full of equally dramatic tales from the scene of the supposed crime.

But if you look closely, the writing signals they’re just feeding the rumor mill.

The “facts” the article claims are really just suggestions and overheard talk, with no solid confirmed information.

Thanks Thought Bubble.

You can see from this example that yellow journalism isn’t trying to sell truth and facts.

It sells a story.

By taking a closer look, we discover strategies publishers use to entertain or distract us – like staying away from the facts and leaning into drama.

The race to sell as many papers as possible was – and still is – a race to the bottom.

And publishers know all too well how to make a buck from a good story.

(And in case you’re wondering:

They called it Yellow Journalism because Pulitzer and Hearst’s papers fought over which one would print a popular comic called The Yellow Kid.

It was a strange time.)

Yellow Journalism, then and now, helps remind us of those ancient questions – what happens when we rely on media?

Should everyone have access to it?

What happens if that access is exploited?

Media literacy is nothing new, but it’s adapting and changing all the time.

Where media literacy once required a mastery of language and a quill,

the age of the penny press required the ability to analyze headlines at a glance and tell truth from sensationalism.

With every new medium, a new set of skills is needed to navigate it all – and we haven’t even gotten to TV.

That’s for next time, during The History of Media Literacy Part II.

For now, I’m Jay Smooth. We’ll see you next week.

Crash Course Media Literacy is filmed in the Dr. Cheryl C. Kinney Studio in Missoula, MT.

It’s made with the help of all of these nice people, and our animation team is Thought Cafe.

Crash Course is a Complexly production.

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