The 19th century was the world of print, and the master of that world was Joseph Pulitzer. Discover how Joseph Pulitzer transformed the newspaper industry in this video from the American Masters film Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the People. Learn how Pulitzer reshaped journalism, from the visual presentation to the stories covered, and used his newspaper to fight for the interests of everyday people. Support materials include discussion questions and teaching tips which ask students to evaluate Pulitzer’s journalism strategy, and learn to become effective journalists themselves.

American Masters – Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the People explores the remarkable man behind the prestigious prizes. A Jewish immigrant from Hungary, Joseph Pulitzer began as a gifted journalist before becoming a successful publisher and businessman. Pulitzer was famous in his own time for his outspoken and cantankerous editorial voice and his newspapers’ striking illustrations, visual style, national circulation, and financial success. Against the context of America’s explosive growth as a world force during the Gilded Age, Pulitzer emerges as the country’s first media titan, reshaping the newspaper to bear witness to and even propel that transformation. Joseph Pulitzer tirelessly championed what he regarded as the sacred role of the free press in a democracy.