Propaganda & Mass Persuasion: War makes Newspapers sell

Saturday, February 11, 2006

War makes Newspapers sell

As E.L. Godkin writes in the Atlantic Monthly: "Newspapers are made to sell; and for this purpose there is nothing better than war. War means daily sensation and excitement. On this almost any kind of paper can make money."
Godkin goes on to discuss how was brings all sorts of exciting news and since its live and breaking it does not need to be entirely accurate or factual. This may mean that there can be a mad rush to be the first to print because one may not have to check their facts completely.
Godkin says that in war, events are “probably and agreeable, though disagreeable news sells nearly as well.” He also states that there are newspapers that have a tough time selling news but that during war time they make fortunes.
Simply, war mankes newspapers sell. People are out for sensationalism, they want to be up to date on the event. And papers provide them with this. Newspapers also bring the news to a more personal view since they can cater to the community they are providing for. This is a very important aspect of war and the media.

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