American Journalism

Originally Aired: July 1, 1936 Cavalcade of America #38, "American Journalism," chronicles the early career of Horace Greeley, one of America's pioneering newspapermen. The episode opens with a young, gawky Greeley arriving in New York City in 1831 with just a few dollars in his pocket and determination in his heart. After waiting on the doorstep of John T. West's printing shop, he impresses journeyman printer Mr. Cooper with his skill at setting type, particularly the challenging parallel-column Bible work that has already defeated five other printers. Despite his awkward appearance and cheap store-bought clothes, Greeley's talent and work ethic earn him a position. The story then jumps forward to Greeley's establishment of the New York Tribune in 1841. Now an editor, he faces pressure from his circulation manager Edwards to sensationalize the news with stories of local murders and robberies. Greeley refuses, insisting on printing important news and fresh dispatches instead, determined to educate readers rather than pander to base interests. When political thugs from the Spartan Band threaten to destroy his office unless he retracts a story about their violence at polling places, Greeley faces a test of his principles and the freedom of the press.