Introducing: William Randolph Hearst
10/30/24 • 2 min
American newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst's immense wealth and power transformed the media's role in politics and society. In this 4-part series, we delve into Hearst's early life and his rise as a media titan, revealing how his prodigious appetites and control over vast media holdings allowed him to shape public opinion and influence major events.
Hearst's innovative and often controversial approach to journalism, known as "yellow journalism," redefined the boundaries of news reporting and had a profound impact on American culture. Discover how his publishing empire not only sensationalized stories but also played a critical role in political campaigns and public perception during pivotal moments in history.
Join host James Edwards for a richly detailed account of William Randolph Hearst, where expert interviews, rare archival audio, and compelling storytelling illuminate the legacy of this pioneering media titan whose impact continues to resonate today.
Learn more about American Experience
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Credits:
Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins
Associate Producer: Meiqian He
Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe
Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins
Editorial Advisor: John Bredar
Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant
Narrator: James Edwards
Executive Producer: Cameo George
American newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst's immense wealth and power transformed the media's role in politics and society. In this 4-part series, we delve into Hearst's early life and his rise as a media titan, revealing how his prodigious appetites and control over vast media holdings allowed him to shape public opinion and influence major events.
Hearst's innovative and often controversial approach to journalism, known as "yellow journalism," redefined the boundaries of news reporting and had a profound impact on American culture. Discover how his publishing empire not only sensationalized stories but also played a critical role in political campaigns and public perception during pivotal moments in history.
Join host James Edwards for a richly detailed account of William Randolph Hearst, where expert interviews, rare archival audio, and compelling storytelling illuminate the legacy of this pioneering media titan whose impact continues to resonate today.
Learn more about American Experience
Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads
------------------------------
Credits:
Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins
Associate Producer: Meiqian He
Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe
Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins
Editorial Advisor: John Bredar
Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant
Narrator: James Edwards
Executive Producer: Cameo George
Previous Episode
Part 3: Downfall
At the height of his power, Senator Joseph McCarthy seems unstoppable. But his downfall comes from an unexpected place—the U.S. Army. Follow the dramatic escalation of McCarthy's anti-communist campaign in 1953 as his crusade collides with the military, leading to televised hearings that captivate the nation. The drama intensifies with Edward R. Murrow's iconic broadcast, as the legendary newsman challenges McCarthy's methods, marking a seismic shift in public opinion. Listen as this chaotic political showdown unfolds, revealing the raw interplay of power, media, and accountability—and witness the beginning of the end for one of America's most controversial political figures.
Learn more about American Experience
Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads
-------------------------------------
Credits:
Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins
Associate Producer: Meiqian He
Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe
Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins
Editorial Advisor: John Bredar
Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant
Narrator: James Edwards
Executive Producer: Cameo George
Next Episode
Part 1: Hearst's San Francisco Sensation
In 1887, a 24-year-old Harvard dropout takes over a struggling San Francisco newspaper. Within weeks, he's arrested for libel. Meet William Randolph Hearst, the audacious young publisher who transforms The San Francisco Examiner from a money-losing headache into the 'Monarch of the Dailies.'
Discover how Hearst's outrageous stunts—like timing how long it takes a ferry to rescue an overboard reporter—skyrocket circulation from 5,000 to 55,000 in just three years. And meet the mother who controls his purse strings. From championing racist policies to laying the foundations of his media empire, Hearst's rise proves as controversial as it is meteoric. Listen as this mercurial maverick makes his mark on journalism.
Learn more about American Experience
Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads
------------------------------
Credits:
Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins
Associate Producer: Meiqian He
Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe
Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins
Editorial Advisor: John Bredar
Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant
Narrator: James Edwards
Executive Producer: Cameo George
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