William Randolph Hearst

Real World Example

William Randolph Hearst was a powerful newspaper publisher who built the largest newspaper chain and media company in America, known as Hearst Communications. During the Gilded Age, he was influential in shaping public opinion through sensational journalism, often called "yellow journalism," which played a role in stirring public emotions and influencing political decisions, such as the Spanish-American War. His actions mattered because they demonstrated the power of media in shaping public discourse and policy. Today, Hearst's legacy lives on in the way media continues to shape public opinion and culture, influencing everything from news consumption to entertainment. For example, the sensational headlines and stories seen on social media platforms today are reminiscent of Hearst’s style, showing how impactful his methods were in making news more engaging and widely consumed.