American Genius - Hearst vs. Pulitzer | National Geographic | HD 720P Documentary PBS Nova :

William Randolph Hearst establishes himself as a prominent figure in journalism by acquiring the San Francisco Examiner and transforming it into a yellow paper, successfully capturing readers' attention and becoming number one within a year.

Joseph Pulitzer's immigrant background drives his ambition to protect the common people through journalism. He uses his newspaper to expose corruption and advocate for social causes, ultimately revolutionizing news reporting and acquiring a failing newspaper that thrives under his leadership.

Both Pulitzer and Hearst move to New York City to dominate the newspaper industry. Pulitzer focuses on accuracy and social causes, while Hearst introduces sensational headlines and bold news styles, leading to a fierce competition where both papers see a significant increase in circulation.

The Spanish-American War becomes a turning point for both Pulitzer and Hearst as they sensationalize and compete for readership. Hearst's coverage of the war drives up circulation, while Pulitzer faces a crisis of conscience but decides to respond to the escalating conflict.

The intense rivalry between Hearst and Pulitzer fuels innovations in journalism and increases readership. Both newspapers compete aggressively, leading to significant changes in reporting styles and tactics to attract more readers.

The competition between Hearst and Pulitzer revolutionizes journalism, making newspapers essential for daily life. Their innovations shape modern journalism practices and define the role of newspapers in society, leaving a lasting impact on the media landscape.