When Propaganda Became a Dirty Word
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2023
Abstract
With the emergence of systematic, pervasive government information programs and the rise of persuasion as a new profession, the words propaganda and publicity became definitional in the twentieth century. This historical qualitative and quantitative content analysis of the NewYork Times provides a basis for understanding the usage of propaganda and publicity during the years leading up to, during, and after World War I. At the turn of the nineteenth century, propaganda had a benign, narrow meaning. Propaganda became a negative word during World War I. Publicity also did not come out of the war unscathed. This research provides a more granular understanding of the emergence of persuasion as a profession and helps the readers understand the forces behind the emergence of mass communication as a field of study.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Journalism History
First Page
140
Last Page
157
Recommended Citation
McCluskey, L., Hamilton, J., & Reynolds, A. (2023). When Propaganda Became a Dirty Word. Journalism History, 49 (2), 140-157. https://doi.org/10.1080/00947679.2023.2203026