JOUR 4650: American Journalism History

From the 1690 banning of America's first newspaper after one issue until the American Revolution, publishers struggled to exercise their right to print the social, political and economic debates of the day without restraint. In post-Revolutionary debates over the adoption of the Constitution, states rights and the Reconstruction issues that followed the Civil War, newspapers have continued to serve as a forum for popular (and unpopular) expression. 66 pioneers who created the American press and contributed to its evolution from a position of complete subjection to authority in the late 17th century to political and economic independence by the end of the 19th century are profiled in this DLB volume.

During the last three decades of the 19th century, the American newspaper completed its evolution from a vehicle of opinion into a medium which emphasized news, human interest and entertainment. This change took newspapers away from politicians and put them in the hands of reporters, editors and columnists. The United States was moving rapidly from an agrarian to an industrial society, its cities were blossoming with a flood of 11 million immigrants and the nation was recovering from the wounds of the Civil War. This volume presents the lives and careers of 44 journalists, active during this era when the population of the United States doubled, the number of daily newspapers increased fourfold and the total circulation increased six times over.

Flamboyant personalities and raucous journalism have been the stereotype of the newspaper world during the era covered in this DLB volume, but the early 20th century also marked a period of growth when newspapers were establishing reputations for solid, factual reporting of the news. The number of papers published in the United States peaked at 2, 600 in 1915, then began to decline; their combined circulation, though, continued to increase (231% from 1900 to 1930).The 44 personalities profiled in this DLB volume are representative of the range of journalists from this age-from flashy and flamboyant newshounds to the publishing pioneers who helped to shape the course of journalism for generations to follow.

In the span of a quarter century, America witnessed the dawn of mass communications-commercial radio programming blossomed, mass-circulation magazines more than doubled their circulations, and television debuted. Though the combination of competition from new media and economic hard times led to a decline in the number of daily newspapers published in the United States, their circulation grew from 30 to 50 million during the period 1920-1950. Many newspapers were acquired by chains. Coverage of World War II was probably journalisms greatest achievement during these years, while the eras most significant changes included the expanded coverage of government, the beginnings of interpretive reporting and the invention of the syndicated political column. War correspondents, syndicated columnists, political pundits and news analysts are among the prominent journalists found in this DLB Volumes 54 biographical entries.

Based on extensive archival research conducted in the United States and Britain, Black Woman Reformer by Sarah Silkey explores Wells's 1893-94 antilynching campaigns within the broader contexts of nineteenth-century transatlantic reform networks and debates about the role of extralegal violence in American society. Through her speaking engagements, newspaper interviews, and the efforts of her British allies, Wells altered the framework of public debates on lynching in both Britain and the United States.

Fostering creativity due to adversity or poverty or by breaking rules of stoic propriety, the resiliency and spirit of Latino writers, journalists, and editors bring pride and significance to their heritage. Since European colonization of what would become the United States began in 1542, Latinos have documented both their experiences and the experiences of others. Latino Writers and Journalists profiles 151 Latino Americans, such as Ruben Martinez, Laura Esquivel, and Isabel Allende.

An oral history of modern American journalism by trailblazing black journalists such as Ed Bradley, Max Robinson, and Karen Dewitt.

Each chapter is a biographical sketch of an influential black woman who has written for American newspapers or television news, including Maria W. Stewart, Mary Ann Shadd Cary, Gertrude Bustill Mossell, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Josephine St.Pierre Ruffin, Delilah L. Beasley, Marvel Cooke, Charlotta A. Bass, Alice Allison Dunnigan, Ethel L. Payne, and Charlayne Hunter-Gault.