history.journalism.ku.eduHistory of American Journalism

1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s A history of journalism in in the 20th century Welcome. This site was created as a teaching aid by and for students of Rick Musser, professor emeritus in journalism at the University of Kansas. This site focuses on American journalism from 1900-1999. Although history does not often compartmentalize itself into conveniant pieces, this site focuses on the 10 decades as if each 10 years were a chapter. From the first newsreels to the advent of the Internet, the 20th century will be remembered for the birth, evolution and impending demise of "modern," mainstream journalism. While this site concentrates on American journalists and news services, the contributions from other parts of the world also are recognized. In each chapter, photos, video, audio and short articles tell the story of such media figures as Teddy Roosevelt, who used the newsreels to great effect at the turn of the century; Franklin Delano Roosevelt who encouraged a nation using radio addresses; and Ronald Reagan who created an image of steady leadership through the use of television. Although there was great ingenuity during the 20th century, these decades were also marked by tragedy, inequality and discrimination of many kinds. You can begin at the beginning with the 1900s chapter or just start wherever and whenever you would like. We just hope you enjoy the show while you learn. Professor Emeritus Rick Musser :: rmusser@ku.edu University of Kansas, School of Journalism & Mass Communications, 1976-2008 American Decades © International Thompson Publishing Company Original site designed May 2003 by graduate students Heather Attig and Tony Esparza First update: January 2004 by gradute students Staci Wolfe and Lisa Coble Second update: May 2007 by graduate students Chris Raine and Jack Hope Complete graphical and content revision: December 2007 by graduate student Jack Hope Disclaimer This site was built by students in Rick Musser’s Journalism History class as a study aid. While both the teacher and the graduate students who prepared the site have tried to assure that the information is accurate and original, you will certainly find many examples of copyrighted materials designated for teaching and research as part of a college level history of journalism course. That material is considered "fair use” under Title 17, Chapter 1, Sec. 107 of the Fair Use Statute and the Copyright Act of 1976. Contact copyright@ku.edu with further questions. The material was last checked for accuracy and live links December 31, 2007. This site is in no way affiliated with any of the people displayed in its contents, their management, or their copyright owners. This site has a collection of links to other sites, and is not responsible for any content appearing on external sites. This site is subject to...