Trace the history of bias and partisanship in Texas newspapers from the time of Sam Houston until today. Analyze how political scenarios contributed to and shaped the style of Texan newspapers
What will be an ideal response?
Answer:
A. Early newspapers focused on Sam Houston
1. Highly partisan bias in Texas newspapers in the 19th century
a. Texas State Gazette was anti-Houston
b. Campaign Chronicle was pro-Houston
c. Galveston News, oldest surviving newspaper, was opposed to Houston's actions and was able to keep publishing through the Civil War
2. major force in Texas politics through early 1900s
B. Reconstruction saw partisan press
1. Divided over E. J. Davis
a. anti-Davis newspapers like Flake's Bulletin and the Austin Republican wrote negatively about Davis and his followers
b. Flake's Bulletin published a "Declaration of Wrongs" against the governor
c. Democratic press was even more harsh
d. Davis supporters like the State Journal
2. Only the Galveston News becoming less partisan and even-handed
C. Penny press also expressed political views
1. Houston Post was highly political
a. Hobby was a business and political reporter who became governor and ended up buying the paper
2. The Chronicle campaigned for or against elected officials and led a
fight to close bars on Sunday
a. instrumental in creation of Houston Ship Channel and the Port of Houston
3. 20th century saw papers back Democratic issues and candidates
a. not really partisan since Democrats has all the power
4. Newspapers took on other political issues
a. supporting pro-business; San Antonio Light (only Republican daily)
b. supporting women's suffrage; Chronicle
c. opposition of Ku Klux Klan; Galveston News
D. Partisanship leaving newspapers in the end of the 19th century
1. papers revenue coming in through advertisements
a. papers needed to protect circulation and not alienate readers by publishing biased and slanted views
2. larger news organizations producing unbiased news
a. Associated Press (AP) shared stories and one reporters story would appear in a variety of papers
b. emphasis on straight news since stories would appear in newspapers everywhere and readers could form their own conclusions
c. newspapers relied on editorials to present biased views
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