The Rivalry of Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hurst

Introduction

• Key figures: Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hurst
• Their rivalry redefined journalism in America.
• Pulitzer: Advocate for the common man; Hurst: Wealthy son of a business tycoon.

Joseph Pulitzer

• Early Life:
  • Immigrant from Hungary, faced harsh conditions.
  • Became a reporter to voice the struggles of the underprivileged.
• Career Development:
  • Started at a St. Louis newspaper, focused on social responsibility.
  • Acquired and merged failing newspapers into the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
• Move to New York:
  • Purchased the New York World, aimed to attract immigrants and working class.
  • Revolutionized newspaper design with bold headlines and interesting content.
• Success:
  • Increased circulation rapidly, tripling in six months.
  • Emphasized accuracy and high journalistic standards.

William Randolph Hurst

• Background:
  • Wealthy upbringing, attended prestigious schools.
  • Desired to establish his own identity outside of his father's shadow.
• Acquisition of the San Francisco Examiner:
  • Transformed it into a popular yellow paper.
  • Adopted Pulitzer's successful techniques.
• Competition with Pulitzer:
  • Aimed to challenge Pulitzer in New York, purchased the New York Morning Journal.
  • Lured Pulitzer's staff to boost his paper's profile.

Conflict Between the Two Titans

• Hurst's Strategy:
  • Increased page count and lowered prices to attract readers.
  • Used sensational headlines about crime and scandals.
• Pulitzer's Response:
  • Initially held to journalistic integrity, but was pressured to compete.
• The Spanish-American War:
  • Hurst sensationalized the explosion of the USS Maine, pushing for war with Spain.
  • Pulitzer felt compelled to follow suit, risking his journalistic principles.

The Newsboys' Strike

• Background:
  • Newsboys were essential for newspaper distribution but faced exploitation.
  • Rise in prices led to protests by the Newsies in 1899.
• Impact of the Strike:
  • Major disruption in newspaper circulation for both Pulitzer and Hurst.
  • Forced both newspaper giants to negotiate with the Newsies.
  • Highlighted the disparity between the powerful and the powerless.

Aftermath of the Rivalry

• Pulitzer's Legacy:
  • Donated to Columbia University to establish a journalism school.
  • Established the Pulitzer Prize to honor journalistic excellence.
• Hurst's Legacy:
  • Used his media empire as a launchpad for a political and Hollywood career.
  • Inspired the character of Citizen Kane in film.

Conclusion

• The rivalry between Pulitzer and Hurst transformed journalism.
• Established newspapers as vital sources of news and entertainment.
• Innovations from their competition continue to influence modern media.