EOTO what I learned 1

 

Oz Jensen

What I learned


    Before last class, I did not know much of anything about journalism's rich history, however after that class I feel like I have a better understanding of the history of journalism in America. 

For example, I learned about Mary Add Shad, who became the first black woman to publish and edit a weekly newspaper. Although her newspaper shut down as it was unpopular due to its fierce fighting for civil rights. Unfortunately, because of the bias at the time, Shad never was able to take credit for her work.



Mary Ann Shadd - Wikipedia


     I also learned about William Randolph Hurst, a man that started a media empire that is still around today. Hurst had over 20 million readers for his newspaper per day. Hurst owned 28 newspapers, 18 magazines, and was elected to the house twice as a democrat. 


William Randolph Hearst - Children, Quotes & Joseph Pulitzer - Biography


    Another great journalist I learned about was Jane Cunningham Croly who had the first women's column in a newspaper, which became extremely popular. She then founded Sorosis, the first organization that dedicated itself to getting women more professional opportunities in journalism. The bravery of these journalists is inspiring as they risked their lives to make the world a better place. 


Jane Cunningham Croly - Wikipedia



    Benjamin Franklin is one of my favorite historical figures but I didn't know that he had such roots in journalism. However Franklin who was introduced to journalism by his brother James at a young age, and even started writing articles under the pen name Silence Dogood when he was just 16. The Franklin brothers then owned a print shop, which was a very lucrative and influential business at the time. Franklin wrote for the Pennsylvania Gazette, the most popular newspaper in early America. 


Benjamin Franklin - Wikipedia







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