Watch Citizen Hearst

Citizen Hearst is a two-hour documentary that aired in 2012 on the Biography Channel. The show explores the life and career of media magnate William Randolph Hearst and his impact on American journalism. Narrated by Academy Award-winning actor William H. Macy, the show features interviews with various journalists, historians, and media executives who offer insights into Hearst's legacy. Among those interviewed are Frank A. Bennack Jr., former CEO of Hearst Corporation, George W. Bodenheimer, former president of ESPN/ABC Sports, and Mark Burnett, producer of the reality TV series Survivor.

The documentary charts Hearst's rise to power, from his early career as a newspaper reporter to his role as the owner of a vast media empire that included newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and movie studios. Throughout his career, Hearst used his media outlets to shape public opinion, champion causes he believed in, and pursue his own political ambitions.

Citizen Hearst also examines some of the controversies that surrounded Hearst during his lifetime. The show details Hearst's role in the Spanish-American War, which he helped to spark through sensationalized newspaper stories. It also explores the influence of Hearst's media empire on American politics, including his unsuccessful bid for president in 1904 as a member of the Democratic Party.

In addition, the show highlights Hearst's impact on the world of art and culture. Hearst was a patron of the arts who commissioned works by some of the most renowned artists of his day. Citizen Hearst features interviews with curators and art historians who discuss Hearst's collections of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.

Throughout the documentary, the show's producers use a combination of archival footage, photographs, and reenactments to bring Hearst's world to life. Viewers are treated to glimpses of Hearst's lavish lifestyle, as well as the inner workings of his media empire. The show also features footage from Hearst's failed presidential campaign and rare film clips from the heyday of his movie studios.

Narrated with a sense of intrigue, Citizen Hearst is a fascinating look at the life and times of one of America's most influential media moguls. The documentary does an excellent job of shedding light on both the positive and negative aspects of Hearst's career, providing a nuanced portrait of a complex figure. Though the show was made several years ago, it remains a compelling and informative look at an important chapter in the history of American journalism.

Citizen Hearst is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between April 23, 2013 and on Biography Channel