Ep 4. Hearst vs. Pulitzer

In American Genius season 1 episode 4, viewers are taken back in time to the turn of the 20th century, when two media titans, William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, went head-to-head in a fierce battle for newspaper supremacy.

At the time, newspapers were the primary source of information for the American people, and a newspaper's reach and influence could help to shape public opinion. Both men recognized this fact and sought to use it to their advantage. Hearst, the wealthy son of a mining magnate, was determined to build a media empire that would surpass even that of Pulitzer, the owner of the highly successful New York World newspaper.

The episode explores the strategies that both men employed to gain an edge over their rival. Hearst was known for his sensationalist style of journalism, which focused on lurid crime stories, scandalous celebrity gossip, and emotional appeals to patriotism. His papers featured bold headlines and graphic images designed to shock and outrage readers. At the same time, Hearst also championed causes such as worker's rights and the fight against yellow fever, using his newspaper empire as a platform to inspire social change.

Pulitzer, on the other hand, was a more serious journalist, with a reputation for investigative reporting and crusading against corruption. He was also a political activist, using his newspaper to highlight issues such as government corruption, corporate power, and the need for social reform. Pulitzer was a firm believer in the power of journalism to expose wrongdoing and to hold those in positions of power accountable.

As the two media moguls battled it out for dominance, their newspapers became more and more popular among readers hungry for the latest news and scandalous stories. Hearst and Pulitzer both employed teams of writers, editors, and reporters, each hoping to outdo the other with the latest scoop. They also invested heavily in advertising and circulation campaigns, using innovative new methods such as colored ink, prize contests, and promotional giveaways to attract readers.

The episode highlights some of the key moments in the rivalry between Hearst and Pulitzer, including the publication of the "Yellow Kid" comic strip, which led to a fierce circulation war between their respective newspapers. Both men also engaged in bitter personal attacks, with Hearst accusing Pulitzer of being out of touch with the common man, while Pulitzer criticized Hearst for his sensationalist approach to journalism.

Ultimately, the rivalry between Hearst and Pulitzer helped to establish the modern American newspaper industry, paving the way for a new era of journalism that relied on big headlines, eye-catching graphics, and controversial stories to capture readers' attention. The episode also points out the impact that this kind of journalism had on the public perception of news, with many people becoming more skeptical of the media in general.

Overall, American Genius season 1 episode 4 offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of two of the most famous media moguls in American history, exploring their personal lives, their business strategies, and the impact that they had on journalism and American culture as a whole. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the media and the power of the press to shape public opinion.