Final Post

Ida B. Wells wasn’t just a journalist—she was a warrior. A disruptor. A force against injustice. Born into slavery in 1862, she would go on to become one of the most fearless voices of her time, exposing the brutal truth about lynching and racial violence in America. She refused to be silent, even when threatened, even when exiled, even when dismissed by those in power. Wells was unshakable in her commitment to justice, and because of her work, the world could no longer ignore the horrors that Black Americans faced. Exposing The Truth

Wells understood the power of the press. She saw firsthand how false narratives were used to justify racial violence, and she made it her mission to dismantle those lies. Her reporting was thorough, relentless, and unapologetically bold. When three of her friends were lynched in Memphis in 1892, she launched a full-scale investigation that led to her most famous work, Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases. She gathered the facts, confronted the myths, and exposed the systemic murder of Black men under false accusations. Her words shook the nation. They were meant to. Southern Horrors

But Wells wasn’t just a journalist—she was an activist who demanded change. She co-founded the NAACP, fought for women’s suffrage, and traveled internationally to spread awareness of racial violence in the U.S. She challenged white women’s exclusion of Black voices in the suffrage movement. She marched when others told her to stand back. She spoke when others tried to silence her. She wasn’t always embraced, even by fellow activists. She was deemed too radical, too loud, too unwilling to compromise. But that was exactly what made her powerful. Involvement in NAACP

Today, Wells’ legacy lives on in investigative journalism and racial justice movements. Her courage set a precedent for truth-tellers who refuse to be silenced. Her work reminds us that journalism isn’t just about reporting—it’s about challenging power, exposing injustice, and demanding accountability. Her story is one of resilience, defiance, and unwavering truth. And in today’s world, her legacy feels more relevant than ever. Her Legacy

Shock and Awe

 

Shock and Awe is a movie about journalists who were questioning the Bush Administration’s claims that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction; those claims turned out to be bogus. The film focuses on the reporters at Knight Ridder who were digging for the truth while everyone else was just repeating what the government said. Shock and Awe

The story starts after 9/11, when the U.S. was looking for someone to blame. The Bush Administration pointed at Saddam Hussein, saying he had weapons of mass destruction and was connected to Osama bin Laden. But the journalists—Jonathan Landay, Warren Strobel, and their editor John Walcott—weren’t buying it. They started investigating and found out the government was cherry-picking intelligence to justify invading Iraq. How One News Desk Got Iraq Right When Others Failed

What I like about this movie is how it shows the reporters fighting against the odds. Big media outlets were following the government’s narrative, but these guys stuck to their guns. It’s inspiring to see them chase the truth, even when it felt like no one cared.

The movie also dives into the human cost of war. There’s a scene with a young veteran in a wheelchair that really hits hard. It’s emotional and makes you think about the consequences of decisions made by people in power.

The movie title is a direct reference to the military strategy used during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. It’s a fitting metaphor for the way information can be weaponized to sway public opinion. The film doesn’t just tell a story—it asks tough questions about the role of the media in a democracy. Should journalists simply relay what they’re told, or should they dig deeper, even when it’s unpopular? These are questions that feel just as relevant today as they did back then. Title Reference

EOTO Reaction #2 History of Gossip Columns & Fashion Journalism

 Learning about the history of gossip columns and fashion journalism really opened my eyes to how much media has shaped our culture. It’s wild to think about how these two forms of journalism started and how they’ve evolved into what we see today. 

Gossip columns, for example, have been around for centuries. Gossip Columns. They started as small sections in newspapers, where people could read about the lives of the rich and famous. History of Fashion Journalism. Back then, it wasn’t just about celebrities—it was also about politicians and other public figures. Writers like Walter Winchell in the 1920s made gossip a huge deal, turning it into a form of entertainment that everyone wanted to read. It’s crazy to think that something as simple as gossip could become such a big part of journalism. Today, gossip is everywhere—on social media, in tabloids, and even on TV shows. It’s like we can’t get enough of it.

Fashion journalism has a different but equally fascinating history. It started in the 18th century with fashion plates—illustrations that showed the latest trends. These eventually turned into fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle, which became iconic in the 20th century. The Evolution of Fashion Journalism. What’s interesting is how fashion journalism has adapted over time. With the rise of the internet, we now have fashion blogs, Instagram influencers, and YouTube channels that cover everything from runway shows to thrift store hauls. It’s amazing how something that started with drawings has turned into a global industry.

Both gossip columns and fashion journalism show how much people love stories, whether it’s about what someone’s wearing or what drama they’re involved in. They also make me think about how the media influences the way we see the world. 

EOTO #1 Reaction Publick OCCURRENCES & Boston NewsLetter

Learning about early American newspapers like Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick and The Boston News-Letter honestly made me realize how far journalism has come—and how risky it was to publish back then. It’s crazy to think about a time before instant news updates. The idea of getting information from just a few printed pages that had to be shared with neighbors sounds so different from today’s endless stream of news.

Take Publick Occurrences, for example. It was America’s first newspaper, and it only lasted one issue. The government shut it down because they didn’t like what it had to say. Imagine working hard to get your ideas out there, only for them to be silenced immediately—it must have been frustrating. But still, it was the beginning of something bigger. It showed that there was a need for people to share their thoughts and stay informed. Publick Occurences

Then came The Boston News-Letter. Unlike Publick Occurrences, it had government support, which is probably why it stuck around much longer. Sure, it wasn’t totally independent since it reflected the government’s perspective, but at least it gave people regular updates and built the foundation for newspapers in America. It’s wild to think how the press evolved from something so basic to the crazy variety of news outlets we have now. Boston News Letter

Looking back, I think these newspapers represent the courage of early journalists and the importance of freedom of the press. It’s inspiring to know that even when censorship was a huge problem, people still tried to inform others about what was happening. Today, we have so much access to information that it’s easy to take it for granted. 

EOTO #2

Sports journalism is more than just a branch of journalism; it's a dynamic field that is a primary source of information, shaping narratives about athletes, teams, and the sports we love. Over time, this form of reporting has evolved tremendously, and basketball is a perfect example of how sports journalism has left an indelible mark on both athletes and fans.

The roots of sports journalism trace back to the early 1800s, with coverage focused on horse racing and boxing. By the late 19th century, newspapers introduced dedicated sports sections, making sports coverage a staple for readers. When Dr. James Naismith invented basketball in 1891, early media coverage centered on local games and college tournaments.

The 1920s, often called the "Age of the Spectator," saw a surge in the popularity of sports like basketball. Professional leagues like the NBA (founded in 1946) brought basketball into the mainstream, with stars such as Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell becoming household names thanks to the growing influence of media outlets. The Sporting News

Magazines like Sports Illustrated, launched in 1954, further amplified basketball's visibility. Dedicated platforms like ESPN (established in 1979) and NBA TV revolutionized how fans consumed sports content. Today, social media plays a massive role, providing real-time updates and fostering direct interactions between fans and players.

 

For an in-depth look at the history of sports journalism, platforms like YouTube and podcast apps allow analysts and fans to share their perspectives, creating a more interactive experience. Major outlets have also embraced digital innovation, offering in-depth analysis and long-form storytelling.

The relationship between basketball and sports journalism has evolved significantly. Originally focused on game recaps, coverage now includes in-depth analyses, behind-the-scenes stories, and 24/7 updates, thanks to technological advancements. Social media has also given fans unprecedented access to players and teams, transforming how we engage with the sport. CPI Journalism

Although fans have contributed to the evolution of sports journalism, photojournalists have captured how unruly sports fans can sometimes create chaos, as seen in the infamous "Malice at the Palace" incident. On November 19, 2004, during an NBA game between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons, a brawl involving players and fans broke out. It started when a fan threw a drink at Ron Artest, leading him to charge into the stands. The altercation spread, involving multiple players and fans, resulting in suspensions, fines, and criminal charges. Malice At The Palace

In conclusion, sports journalism is a living, breathing entity that continues to grow alongside the sports it covers. From its humble beginnings to its current digital revolution, one thing remains clear: basketball wouldn’t be the same without it. Sports Journalism Review

Five Star Final

Five Star Final is a movie from 1931 pre-code drama directed by Mervyn LeRoy, that dives deep into the cutthroat world of sensational journalism. The film showcases the consequences of prioritizing sales over ethics in the media industry. It centers on Joseph W. Randall, the editor of a tabloid newspaper desperate to boost circulation. Under pressure from his ruthless boss, he saves an old scandal involving Nancy Townsend 
a woman trying to move on from her past. IMBD

When the tabloid newspaper revives Nancy's past scandal, the renewed public humiliation becomes unbearable for her. The intense scrutiny and shame led Nancy to take her own life. Michael, her husband, devastated by her death and unable to cope with the loss, follows suit and ends his life as well. 

Their deaths are a heartbreaking consequence of the exploitation of personal tragedies for profit, highlighting the devastating impact of unethical journalism. 

Five Star Final is more than a drama; it's a bold commentary on the ethical gray areas in journalism. Even though the movie was made 94 years ago, its themes still hit hard today, making it both a compelling film and a thought-provoking critique of the media. The film's themes resonate even today, as it critiques the exploitation of personal tragedies for profit and questions the moral responsibilities of the press. Edward G. Robinson delivers a compelling performance as Randall, capturing the internal struggle between professional ambition and personal ethics. Boris Karloff's portrayal of the unscrupulous journalist "Reverend" T. Vernon Isopod adds a chilling dimension to the narrative. 

The movie's imagery, such as Randall washing his hands to symbolize guilt, and the final shots of newspapers swept into the muck, reinforces its powerful message. Despite some pacing issues and dated elements, Five Star Final remains a significant commentary on the media's impact on individuals and society. Five Star Final 

EOTO #1

The Associated Press  has long been a beacon of journalistic excellence, with a history that stretches back to its founding on May 22, 1846. Originally known as The New York Associated Press , the organization was established as the first cooperative newsgathering entity in the United States. Its mission to deliver timely, accurate news was evident from the start, exemplified by its decision to fund a pony express route through Alabama to outpace the U.S. Post Office in delivering reports on the Mexican-American War. AP History

The AP has continuously evolved, addressing challenges and expanding its capabilities. In 1862, the Western Associated Press criticized the NYAP’s practices, sparking internal conversations about journalistic standards. By 1941, the AP had entered the realm of broadcast journalism, distributing news to radio stations and solidifying its role as a media innovator. This was further demonstrated in 1974 when the AP established its own radio network. Today, the organization operates with a truly global presence, employing journalists in nearly 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states. 

Over the years, the AP has garnered widespread recognition for its unparalleled commitment to factual reporting. It has earned an impressive 59 Pulitzer Prizes, a testament to its excellence and contributions to the field of journalism. The AP has provided in-depth coverage of landmark events such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, and the September 11 attacks. These moments demonstrate the AP’s ability to provide trusted, unbiased information even in the most critical times. Awards

As media consumption habits have changed, the AP has risen to meet new challenges, ensuring that its reporting remains timely, accurate, and relevant. By embracing technological advancements and producing multimedia content, the AP has continued to innovate while upholding its high standards of journalistic integrity. 

In 2025, the AP remains a powerhouse in the world of journalism. It is recognized as the most trusted source of fast, unbiased news, reaching 44.2 million users and drawing 118.4 million monthly visits. With a team of 4,100 dedicated professionals, the AP ensures that readers and viewers worldwide have access to comprehensive and reliable news coverage. News Value and Principles

The legacy of the Associated Press is one of innovation, resilience, and dedication. From its humble beginnings in 1846 to its current role as a global leader in journalism, the AP has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence. It continues to shape how the world consumes and understands the news, solidifying its place as an enduring symbol of journalistic integrity and trust. Through its tireless pursuit of truth, the Associated Press stands as a cornerstone of modern journalism.