EOTO #1: Reaction Post

The Associated Press 

Journalism, in my opinion and many others would agree, is by far one of the most important fields to exist. The power of information and knowledge, is unmatched. News is important and necessary to keeping the public informed about events around them and how it may affect them. 

This presentation really interested me because certain parts of journalism do go unnoticed sometimes. It is important to recognize certain agencies such as The Associated Press. 

Photo: The New York Times

Leading off of this, organizations such as The Associated Press, have been pivotal in the process of informing the public. The Associated Press was founded in New York City on May 22, 1846 as a non-profit news cooperative. It operates as an unincorporated association and produces news reports that are distributed to its members, major U.S. daily newspapers and radio and television broadcasters. 

There has been a joint effort to spread news since 1846. This is when The Sun, the New York Herald, the New York Courier and Enquirer, The Journal of Commerce and the New York Evening Express, came together to inform the people on new developments in the Mexican-American War. Then in 1848, six papers worked together to finance a telegraphic relay of foreign news brought by ships to Boston. 

Photo: Time Life Pictures

These papers were making journalism history. For some time there was two separate Associated Press'. There was the New York Associated Press and midwestern newspaper publishers created the Western Associated Press. 

These organizations eventually merged in 1900 and the modern AP was formed. It is important to follow the history of the AP because it plays such a pivotal role in the journalism world. Newspapers needed to be a member of the AP and due to these harsh practices, an anti-monopoly suit is filed against the AP. 

The Associated Press landed in New York City because it was best for them to stay on the east coast. This is because they were targeted by the Western AP and eventually by Marshall Field III, the creator of the Chicago Sun. People were upset about the AP's restrictive practices, thus all of the suits and issues against them.  

As years went on and technology began advancing, the AP partnered with Dow Jones & Co., Inc., to create the AP-Dow Jones Economic Report. This was beneficial for spreading business, economic, and financial news across the world. 

Photo: PRsay

The Associated Press was evolving in leaps and bounds. They then went on to create DataStream, a highly efficient news transmission service, and LaserPhoto, which established transmission of the first laser-scanned photos. There were countless other developments during this time, all made to benefit journalists and the efficiency of reporting.  

By far, the most important advancement during this time was The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law. This came out in 1977 and is the rulebook for news writing in the U.S. It lists the rules regarding grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage specifically in news writing.

Following this, many online news platforms were advancing to help consumers have easier access to information and developments. Going into the 21st century, the AP started focusing more on activity from readers. This included blogs, multimedia news services for young subscribers, citizen journalism, and the Mobile News Network for mobile phones. 

Without the Associated Press, news writing and the way we receive news would be drastically different and most likely disorganized. The AP allows for us to gain global news at a faster rate and from various platforms. The developments through the years have set the AP apart as a beneficial journalism tool. 

They demonstrate proper journalism techniques and ensure that all news is uniform and easy to read. Their main goal is to gather and publish news as efficiently and accurately as they can.  

As an aspiring journalist, learning about the Associated Press has been very beneficial. Everything that the AP has done and what they provide, such as the stylebook, will help me in being successful in my future positions. 

Photo: AP News

EOTO #2: Political Cartoons

 A Journey Through Political Cartoons

Caricature art and satire has existed throughout human history, however, modern "political cartoons" only began in the late 18th century. Political cartoons, typically involving caricature, are drawings made for the purpose of conveying editorial commentary on politics, politicians and current events.

These cartoons were developed in Europe by James Gillray, who targeted Britain's King George III. They began as a street-level phenomenon, being posted on walls, passed from person to person and published in newspapers. With the rise of the European merchant class, there was questioning of power structures and leadership roles. 

The Enlightenment also brought new ideas of free speech, religious liberty and self-government. These dynamics combined with rising literacy rates and new printing/engraving technologies, created an atmosphere that was perfect for political cartoons to grow in popularity.

They are usually opinion-oriented and found in the editorial pages of newspapers and other journalistic outlets. The subject matter typically consists of current and newsworthy political issues, which requires that readers have some background knowledge about what is being represented.   

Political cartoons quickly reached the New World and by the end of the American Revolution, they became very common. Even more so when the Bill of Rights was ratified 1791, which placed them under the protection of the First Amendment. These cartoons can be created through free speech and free press. 

During this time, popular topics included social, cultural, and political issues on both a local and national level. In 1754, Benjamin Franklin created one of the most recognizable examples of American political cartoons. The snake cut into eights, representing each of the colonies or regions. This drawing became a symbol of the need for organized action against the threat posed by the French and their allies during the Seven Years' War.

These drawings usually reflect the cartoonists point of view and exaggerate circumstances. But, artists have to make sure they are using the correct symbols.  

Moving into the 19th century, Thomas Nast, a german immigrant, became the most successful and renowned American political cartoonist. Nast is called the "Father of American Cartoons" and he is most famous for his 160 political cartoons, attacking the criminal characteristics of Boss Tweed, a politician who controlled New York's corrupt Democratic political organization, Tammany Hall. But the most notable cartoons are his creation of the Republican party elephant and the popularization of the Democratic donkey. 

When these cartoons are successful, they can fulfill an important criticizing and controlling function in society. They are helpful in forming opinions, decision making and providing an entertaining perspective on news. 

The early 20th century was overwhelmed by political cartoons. The development of film, radio and television was pivotal to distributing these cartoons. With this, it also allowed artists access to new mediums where they could mock political events and figures. 

Through the years, art styles, techniques and subject matter has evolved greatly. But all cartoons seem to follow the same form as the Gillray years. 

The 1900s brought some very major political issues with it. For example, Clifford Berryman, a Pulitzer-winning cartoonist, put out a political cartoon in 1934 about President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. 

It can be seen that Roosevelt is portrayed as a doctor, administering "remedies" to a sick Uncle Sam. These "remedies" are in the form of the New Deal programs which were intended to help with the effects of the Great Depression. Congress is also seen dressed as a worried old maid concerned about Uncle Sam. 

From the 1950s to the 2000s, modern art movements began heavily influencing political cartoons. But this was not the only influence. Newspaper advertisers and publishers started exerting more of an influence over the cartoons. They even went as far as forcing papers to drop controversial cartoons. 

In 1992, Ted Rall, one of the most prolific cartoonist in American history, released a drawing showing an immigrant coming to the United States. It is a satire on the corporatization of American culture and the growing issue of unemployment. 

Of course, the 2000s brought the rise of technology and the internet. Traditional methods were pushed aside and cartoons started being produced with digital software. This then allowed for artists to independently publish their cartoons on various platforms. Digital software also allowed for more cartoons to be colorized, which attracted a much larger audience and attention on these sites.  

As every generation typically brings, the 2000s have been riddled with hot and controversial political topics. Most websites now feature "Cartoons of the Day" and there are links dedicated to pages full of political cartoons. These opinions about public issues and individuals are appealing to all readers. 

Their main goal is to persuade you. It may seem that the purpose it to amuse you, but really they are trying to make you think about current events while swaying your opinion to be in favor of theirs. 

An extremely controversial topic, which is still discussed to this day, is the storming of the US Capitol. Adam Zyglis, another Pulitzer-prize winning American editorial cartoonist, mocks Senator Mitch McConnell who is seen introducing Jake Angeli, otherwise known as the "new Capitol tour guide." Angeli was the man wearing "shamanic" attire and McConnell was criticized for his opposition to to form a commission that would investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol Riot.  

It is obvious that political cartoons have been prominent in the media since their development in the late 18th century. 

As each generation moves forward, there will always events and figures that cartoonists will mock and state their opinions about. Despite their sarcasm, harsh critiques and barbed points, political cartoons have persevered and proven their popularity. As a major outlet of political opinion, these cartoons are still protected under the First Amendment and are considered a form of free speech. 

It is likely that political cartoons will never disappear and continue to be an important medium of speech in society. Since the birth of these drawings, artists have used them to humor, inspire, critique and inspire.  

"The Front Page"

Let's Take a Look at "The Front Page" 

Anything and everything that involves journalism and writing, is an absolute amazement to me. This movie is great insight into the world of journalism and how it has shifted through the generations.

Being set in 1924, this film really captures what the life of a journalist is like. Any professional that I have talked to say that the people that are the most committed to their jobs, get very wrapped up in it. They eat, sleep and breathe journalism.

The first thing that I learned when deciding to become a Journalism major is that news is a 24/7 thing. It does not matter if it is 1 p.m. or if it is 3 a.m., someone has to write the story. This can really be seen in "The Front Page" because of the urgency behind writing that story.

News outlets want to be the first covering a story. All media competes with each other to be the first to report important details and developments. It is a constant battle for newspaper circulation and broadcast ratings. 

"The Front Page" demonstrates that race to be first, and while their actions and emotions may have been a little dramatized, I would say that that is how all journalists feel. Of course, in modern day it is a lot easier to access information because of technology, so there may not be as much of an anxiety-ridden rush. 

I think that it is very addicting when you are in the fast-pace nature of journalism. Hildy Johnson wanting to hang up his hat and retire from reporting, was not very surprising. It is a very time-consuming and stressful job, so it is reasonable to want to go on a different path.

Although, Hildy was very determined to marry Peggy Grant and start a new life, I had a feeling from the beginning that he would not be able to stop himself. For me, even writing for The View Point is such a rush because it is a great experience getting to cover that information and see your name on an article.  

It also was not surprising that Walter Burns was determined to keep Hildy in the game. The way that Walter was acting was very harsh and he went to some extreme measures, but I think that was a good representation of how any editor would act when they are losing their best reporter. However, he did cross the line by trying to mess with Hildy's personal life. 

Reporting and getting the news out there is of utmost importance. But nowadays, there is no way that an editor would be able to act like Walter and get away with it. Our modern society is much stricter and it would be likely that someone in Hildy's position would seek out ways of punishment for Walter's actions. 

Although, it was inspiring to see how committed they were to their jobs and to getting the story. In the field of journalism, it is very important to have a love for current news, fast-paced work, and writing. The way that Hildy could not turn down writing that one last story, really shows what true commitment is. 

Many journalists do get into that frenzy and when you have such good information on developments in a story. It is very easy to write a story when the information is continuously flowing in. Hildy wasn't just getting himself into that trance though, Walter was feeding the fire and urging him to get in that mode. 

The way Walter was urging him is definitely not out dated. Outside influences always affect how we operate and the decisions that we make. This is something that not only happens in the journalism world, but everyday life.  

This movie definitely depicted journalists' actions on the most extreme level, but it did not strike me as old-timey or outdated. It depends on the person as to how seriously they take reporting. Most reporters are always going to have that fire under them when they discover important information, it just matters how they choose to act on it. 

It was also interesting to see how all the characters interacted with each other throughout the movie. The scene that stood out to me the most, and reminded me of modern day, is when the sheriff was complaining that Hildy and Walter only write bad things about him, but they said it is just the truth. 

While some things they write may be misconstrued and a little false, that is what people don't understand nowadays. Journalists are supposed to write the truth. All of the good, the bad and the ugly. Many people get upset when they see controversial topics in the news but it is simply the journalists doing their job.   

Overall, I would say that"The Front Page" was a good example of what journalists feel and how they act. While a lot of it was most likely exaggerated for entertainment purposes, they were on track with the way journalism works. I feel that while I was entertained, I also learned a lot from this movie.