Midterm Announcements

• Study Guide Availability

  • Midterm study guide posted on Brightspace since Friday.

  • Review it carefully; it contains key terms relevant to the exam.

  • Not all terms will be on the exam, but questions will be based on this guide.

• Exam Timing

  • Exam opens on Saturday and Sunday at 9 AM, closes at 11:59 PM.

  • Students must pick one day to complete the exam.

  • Once started, the exam must be finished in one sitting within an 80-minute time limit.

  • Approximately 75 questions in total.

• Accommodations

  • Students with extra time accommodations should contact their lab instructor for details.

• Exam Format

  • Multiple choice or true/false questions.

  • Simple and straightforward format beneficial for those who studied.

• Accessibility of Professor

  • Professor encourages students to reach out via email or after class for any clarifications or questions.

  • Office hours are available for additional support.

• Final Words of Encouragement

  • Stay calm and prepared.

  • Importance of consistent attendance and studying highlighted.

  • Reminder to share information with classmates who may have missed announcements.

Historical Context of Newspapers

• Concept of Newspapers

  • Newspapers are rooted in the dissemination of public information; pivotal in shaping the public sphere.

  • Historical figures, including Julius Caesar, utilized similar methods to inform the public of government actions.

• Early Newspapers in North America

  • The first newspaper, Public Occurrences, published in 1690, mainly covered European news.

  • Newspapers were inaccessible to the average person due to high costs (7¢) and illiteracy.

• Growth in Popularity of Newspapers

  • The 1700s saw an increase in newspaper popularity during the colonial era, leading figures in the newspaper industry included Benjamin Franklin.

  • The Pennsylvania Gazette was recognized as one of the best newspapers of the time.

• First Amendment and Freedom of Press

  • Freedom of speech as a significant draw for refugees to the U.S.

  • John Peter Zenger's trial set a precedent for press freedom in the U.S., allowing the press to publish criticism of the government without facing easy libel charges.

Types of Press

• Partisan Press vs. Commercial Press

  • Partisan: aligned with political parties, advocating for their views.

  • Commercial: business-oriented, focused on profits and advertising revenue (e.g., Wall Street Journal).

• Impact of the Penny Press

  • Significant decrease in newspaper prices (to one penny), expanding readership among the working class.

  • Sensationalism in content attracted a broader audience, leading to coverage of more diverse topics, including human interest stories.

Yellow Journalism

• Definition

  • A sensational style of journalism that emerged under the penny press model.

  • Characterized by vivid headlines, exaggerated stories, and investigative approaches.

  • Named after a comic character "The Yellow Kid" published by rival newspapers.

• Key Figures

  • Joseph Pulitzer, owner of the New York World, was a pivotal figure in promoting investigative journalism.

  • Nellie Bly's undercover work exposed abuses in mental health institutions, leading to public outcry and governmental reforms.

Conclusion

• The role of newspapers has historically been to inform, engage, and sometimes provoke societal change.

• The relationship between journalism, freedom of speech, and public discourse remains vital in contemporary society.