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Here are some of the most influential print journalists in history.
John Peter Zenger
This man published the New York Weekly Journal in the 1700s. He wrote honestly about the British government, and in 1735 he was arrested (逮捕). He was found not guilty, since what he wrote was based on truth. His case helped influence the American Revolution.
Benjamin Franklin
We know that Benjamin Franklin had a lot of interests. But many people don’t realize that the inventor and founding father was also a journalist. His The Pennsylvania Gazette began in the 1730s, and Franklin used it to help get his ideas out and influence the public leading up to the American Revolution.
William Randolph Hearst
Hearst was well known as one of the biggest publishers and journalists of his time. He started with The San Francisco Examiner, and went from there. Hearst was one of the starters of “yellow journalism”, which started a new field of journalism that used eye-catching headlines to draw the attention of readers.
Helen Thomas
This woman is the first lady of print journalism. Helen Thomas has been a White House reporter since 1961. She is known for her bold (大胆的) questions, and for her ability to get to the heart of the matter. Thomas gained new influence and fame when George W. Bush was President for her sharp questions and comments.
1. Why was John Peter Zenger not guilty?
A. He didn’t lie at all.
B. The police got the wrong guy.
C. He took part in the American Revolution.
D. His achievements were greater than his faults.
2. Which role of Franklin may surprise you most?
A. A father. B. A leader. C. An inventor. D. A journalist.
3. What’s the biggest feature of “yellow journalism”?
A. It was created by Hearst. B. Its newspapers were in yellow.
C. It used little tricks(技巧) to attract readers.
D. It came from The San Francisco Examiner.
4. Who has the most contact with the White House?
A. John Peter Zenger. B. Helen Thomas.
C. Benjamin Franklin. D. William Randolph Hearst.
