Notes on the Lecture: The Rivalry Between Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hurst

Overview

• The lecture discusses the fierce rivalry between two media titans: Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hurst.
• This rivalry significantly influenced journalism in America.

Joseph Pulitzer's Background

• Humble Beginnings:
  • Pulitzer was a Hungarian immigrant who faced hardships upon arriving in America.
  • His experience as an immigrant shaped his views on social responsibility and the divide between the rich and poor.
• Career Start:
  • Started at a St. Louis newspaper, aiming to be the voice for the common man.
• Mergers:
  • Acquired and merged failing newspapers to form the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• New York World:
  • Moved to New York and purchased the declining New York World, aiming to cater to immigrants and the working class.
  • Introduced bold headlines and entertaining journalism to attract readers.

William Randolph Hurst's Background

• Privileged Upbringing:
  • Hurst was born to a wealthy family and sought to make a name for himself independent of his father's influence.
• San Francisco Examiner:
  • Acquired the failing San Francisco Examiner, transforming it into a successful newspaper by adopting Pulitzer’s style.
• Expansion Plans:
  • Set his sights on New York, looking to compete directly with Pulitzer.

The Competitive Landscape

• Approaches to Journalism:
  • Pulitzer focused on accuracy and social justice, while Hurst prioritized sensationalism and profit.
• Circulation War:
  • Hurst used aggressive tactics to undermine Pulitzer, including recruiting his staff and matching publication output.
• Cuban Revolution:
  • Hurst sensationalized the story of Evangelina Cisneros to boost circulation, framing her as a damsel in distress.

The Spanish-American War

• USS Maine Incident:
  • Hurst’s journal held Spain responsible for the explosion of the USS Maine without evidence, promoting war fever.
• Pulitzer's Dilemma:
  • Pulitzer felt pressured to respond to Hurst's sensationalism, which compromised his journalistic integrity.

The Newsboy Strike

• Impact on Both Giants:
  • The Newsies, impoverished children selling newspapers, went on strike due to increased costs imposed by both newspapers.
• Consequences:
  • The strike led to a significant decline in circulation for both Pulitzer and Hurst.
• Resolution:
  • Both newspapers eventually agreed to refund unsold papers to the Newsies, ending the strike.

Evolution of Journalism

• Legacy of the Rivalry:
  • Pulitzer and Hurst transformed journalism into a powerful medium for the masses, emphasizing entertainment alongside news.
  • Pulitzer established a journalism school and the Pulitzer Prize to honor journalistic excellence.
  • Hurst’s legacy includes a significant career in politics and Hollywood, largely shaped by the film "Citizen Kane."

Conclusion

• The rivalry between Pulitzer and Hurst set the stage for modern journalism, making newspapers an essential part of daily life and shaping how news is consumed today.