American Genius - Hearst vs. Pulitzer | National Geographic | HD 720P Documentary PBS Nova :

Maritza Solis・2 minutes read

Joseph Pulitzer, driven by his immigrant experiences, sought to use journalism to advocate for the marginalized and expose corruption, ultimately transforming the New York World into a leading newspaper. In contrast, William Randolph Hearst employed sensationalism and aggressive tactics to dominate the market, challenging Pulitzer's principles and leading to a fierce rivalry that revolutionized journalism and shaped modern media practices.

Insights

  • Joseph Pulitzer's journey from a struggling Hungarian immigrant to a leading figure in American journalism underscores his commitment to advocating for the underprivileged and exposing corruption, as he transformed failing newspapers into influential platforms that catered to the needs of immigrants and the working class, particularly through his innovative approach at the New York World.
  • In stark contrast, William Randolph Hearst's rise in journalism was marked by sensationalism and aggressive competition, as he employed tactics like undercutting prices and poaching Pulitzer's staff to rapidly grow his readership, ultimately leading to a fierce rivalry that not only shaped their respective legacies but also revolutionized the newspaper industry and the way news is consumed today.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is journalism's main purpose?

    Journalism's main purpose is to inform the public about events, issues, and ideas, serving as a watchdog for democracy. It aims to provide accurate, fair, and comprehensive reporting to help citizens make informed decisions. Journalists investigate and report on various topics, from politics to social issues, ensuring transparency and accountability in society. By doing so, journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and fostering an informed citizenry, which is essential for a functioning democracy.

  • How can I improve my writing skills?

    Improving writing skills involves practice, feedback, and reading widely. Start by writing regularly, whether through journaling, blogging, or creative writing. Seek constructive criticism from peers or mentors to identify areas for improvement. Reading diverse materials, such as books, articles, and essays, can expose you to different styles and techniques. Additionally, studying grammar and style guides can enhance your understanding of effective writing. Consider taking writing courses or workshops to further develop your skills and gain new perspectives.

  • What are the benefits of reading books?

    Reading books offers numerous benefits, including improved cognitive function, enhanced vocabulary, and increased empathy. Engaging with different narratives and perspectives can stimulate critical thinking and creativity. Books also provide a means of escape and relaxation, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being. Furthermore, reading can deepen knowledge in various subjects, fostering lifelong learning. Overall, the habit of reading enriches personal and intellectual growth, making it a valuable pursuit for individuals of all ages.

  • What is the role of a newspaper?

    The role of a newspaper is to inform the public about local, national, and international news, providing a platform for diverse voices and opinions. Newspapers serve as a crucial source of information, covering various topics such as politics, business, culture, and sports. They also hold power accountable by investigating and reporting on issues that affect society. Additionally, newspapers foster community engagement by highlighting local events and issues, contributing to an informed and active citizenry. In essence, newspapers play a vital role in shaping public discourse and promoting democracy.

  • How do I start a blog?

    Starting a blog involves several key steps, beginning with choosing a niche or topic that interests you and resonates with potential readers. Next, select a blogging platform, such as WordPress or Blogger, and register a domain name that reflects your blog's theme. Create engaging content by writing posts that are informative, entertaining, or thought-provoking, and consider incorporating visuals to enhance the reader's experience. Promote your blog through social media and networking to attract an audience. Consistency in posting and engaging with readers is essential for building a successful blog over time.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Pulitzer and Hearst Rivalry in Journalism

  • Joseph Pulitzer, an immigrant from Hungary, aspired to be the voice of the people, using journalism to expose corruption and protect the poor, which stemmed from his own harsh experiences as an immigrant in America.
  • Pulitzer began his career in St. Louis, where he acquired failing newspapers and merged them into the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which became the city's top newspaper under his leadership.
  • Seeking greater impact, Pulitzer moved to New York City, purchasing the declining New York World, where he aimed to create a newspaper that catered to immigrants and the working class, revolutionizing the industry with bold headlines and engaging stories.
  • Within six months of his innovative approach, the New York World’s circulation tripled to 45,000, and by a year and a half, it reached 100,000, establishing Pulitzer as a leading figure in American journalism.
  • William Randolph Hearst, inspired by Pulitzer's success, took over the failing San Francisco Examiner and transformed it into a visually appealing "yellow paper," doubling its circulation in the first year.
  • Hearst aimed to compete with Pulitzer in New York City by purchasing the New York Morning Journal, employing aggressive tactics to attract Pulitzer's staff and match his newspaper's page count and sensationalism.
  • Hearst's strategy included selling his paper for one cent, half the price of the New York World, and filling it with sensational headlines about scandals and crime, which quickly doubled his circulation within three months.
  • Hearst capitalized on the story of Evangelina Cisneros, a young Cuban rebel imprisoned by the Spanish, turning it into a sensational narrative that captivated readers and rallied support for the Cuban cause against Spain.
  • Pulitzer maintained a commitment to accuracy in journalism, contrasting with Hearst's sensationalist tactics, which led to a significant defection of his top editor, Arthur Brisbane, to Hearst's Journal, deepening Pulitzer's sense of betrayal.
  • As Hearst's popularity surged, Pulitzer faced the challenge of maintaining his principles while competing against Hearst's aggressive and often unscrupulous methods, putting his empire at risk.

26:04

Hearst and Pulitzer Rivalry Transforms Journalism

  • William Randolph Hearst's journal becomes one of the most popular newspapers in the U.S., creating competition for Joseph Pulitzer's New York World, especially after the explosion of the USS Maine on February 15, 1898, which kills 266 American sailors.
  • Hearst quickly blames Spain for the explosion, despite a lack of evidence, and uses sensational headlines to incite public sentiment for war, prompting Pulitzer to respond similarly to avoid losing readership.
  • Pulitzer faces a moral dilemma between maintaining journalistic integrity and competing with Hearst's sensationalism, ultimately leading his newspaper to speculate on the cause of the explosion to keep up with Hearst's aggressive reporting.
  • The competition between Hearst and Pulitzer escalates, with both newspapers spending heavily to attract readers, resulting in a surge in circulation numbers, with Hearst reaching 1 million copies by August 1898.
  • After the Spanish-American War ends in August 1898, Pulitzer struggles with declining circulation and financial pressures, as he cannot raise prices or cut staff salaries without risking defections to Hearst's paper.
  • Pulitzer raises prices for the Newsboys, who sell newspapers on the streets, from 50 cents to 60 cents for a bundle of 100, and refuses to revert to the lower price after the war, leading to resentment among the impoverished children.
  • In July 1899, over 5,000 Newsboys go on strike, halting newspaper distribution in New York City and drawing significant media attention, which results in a 50% drop in circulation for Pulitzer's World.
  • The strike forces Hearst and Pulitzer to negotiate with the Newsboys, leading to an agreement to refund unsold papers, although they refuse to lower the bulk price, marking a significant moment in labor history.
  • Pulitzer donates $2 million to Columbia University to establish one of the first journalism schools and create the Pulitzer Prize, aiming to restore his legacy as a champion of the people.
  • The rivalry between Hearst and Pulitzer revolutionizes journalism, establishing the newspaper as an essential part of daily life and influencing modern mass media, with their competition shaping the way news is consumed today.

51:17

Rivalry of Hearst and Pulitzer in Journalism

  • Joseph Pulitzer established a prestigious journalism training program and created the Pulitzer Prize, which has become the most significant award in journalism, reflecting his values and vision for the field.
  • William Randolph Hearst leveraged his journalism empire to transition into politics and Hollywood, with his legacy significantly shaped by Orson Welles' film "Citizen Kane," which was inspired by Hearst's life.
  • The intense rivalry between Hearst and Pulitzer transformed journalism, making newspapers a vital part of daily life, with many of their innovations still evident in modern journalism practices.
  • By August 1898, Hearst's newspaper achieved a circulation of 1 million copies within four months of the Spanish-American War, establishing it as a dominant force in journalism, while Pulitzer faced declining circulation and financial struggles.
  • Pulitzer, lacking a family fortune, was forced to make sacrifices to keep his newspaper afloat, while Hearst aggressively sought to undermine Pulitzer's operations by poaching staff and undercutting prices.
  • Hearst's strategy included sensationalizing stories, such as the plight of Evangelina Cisneros, to boost readership, while Pulitzer was compelled to respond to Hearst's tactics, leading to a competitive spiral of sensationalism.
  • The competition between Hearst and Pulitzer escalated as both newspapers reported on the sinking of the USS Maine, contributing to public sentiment that led to the U.S. declaring war on Spain on April 25, 1898.
  • Hearst's San Francisco Examiner, initially struggling, was transformed under his leadership into a successful publication by adopting sensationalist tactics and doubling its circulation within the first year.
  • Pulitzer's background as a Hungarian immigrant shaped his journalistic mission to advocate for the underprivileged, contrasting with Hearst's pursuit of power for personal gain, highlighting the differing motivations behind their journalistic endeavors.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.