Perspectives on Mass Communication History

Wm. David Sloan

Contents: Preface: A Note on Teaching. Perspectives on Mass Communication History. The Study of History: Interpretation or Truth? The Colonial Press, 1690-1765: Mirror of Society or Origin of Journalism? American Revolutionary Printers, 1765-1783: Powerful Radicals or Ineffective Conservatives? The Party Press, 1783-1833: Political Sycophant or Party Leader? Freedom of the Press, 1690-1800: Libertarian or Limited? Women in Media, 1700-Present: Victims or Equals? The Frontier Press, 1800-1900: Personal Journalism or Paltry Business? The Penny Press, 1833-1861: Product of Great Men or Natural Forces? The Antebellum Press, 1827-1861: Effective Abolitionist or Reluctant Reformer? The Civil War Press, 1861-1865: Promoter of Unity or Neutral Reporter? The Black Media, 1865-Present: Liberal Crusaders or Defenders of Tradition? The Industrial Press, 1865-1883: Professional Journalism or Pawn of Urbanism? New Journalism, 1883-1900: Social Reform or Professional Progress? Modern Journalism, 1900-1945: Working Profession or Big Business? Public Relations, 1900-1950: Tool for Profit of for Social Reform? Advertising, 1900-Present: Capitalist Tool or Economic Necessity? Mass Magazines, 1900-Present: Serious Journalism or Mass Entertainment? The Muckrakers, 1901-1917: Defenders of Conservatism or Liberal Reformers? The Media in Trying Times, 1917-1945: Propagandists, Patriots, or Professionals? American Radio, 1920-1948: Traditional Journalism or Revolutionary Technology? The Contemporary Press, 1945-Present: Profiteering Business or Professional Journalism? Television, 1948-Present: Entertainment or Information? The Entertainment Media, 1900-Present: Diffusers of Culture or Seekers of Profit?