Critical Analysis 3-Journalism in the 20th Century

The invention of the printing press revolutionised media in the nineteenth century, although it was an expensive item it allowed for broader distribution, which in turn led to increased sales and more money for the media organization.

The introduction of advertising brought about an economic determinism, as the power of mass advertising was realised after the abolition of advertising duty in 1853. This meant more ‘glamorous’ adverts could be used without any tax being paid. It was cheaper for advertisers but also meant more business for the publication.

Soon a dependency on advertising emerged, by 1907 advertising revenue stood at £20m. The power advertising had was had also grown so much it could be used to put publications out of business, for example advertisers boycotted left wing publications for obvious reasons and the number decreased rapidly.

Politicians quickly realised the potential. With this mass advertising reaching most of the population and the political parties’ hunger for exposure and votes, the mass media proved a perfect format.

With this mass media, being fed by mass advertising, reaching the majority of the population, a mass society was established, leading to the development of the consumerism state we now live in.

In modern society journalism has swayed towards lifestyle writing. This may have come about with the changing nature of employment, allowing for more leisure time, thus appealing to people with hobbies or sports interests. It allows readers to feel their identity is being targeted and explored, as well as allowing them to search for how their image within their lifestyle choice should be.