Journalism and Corruption in Chicago, 1912–1931

Abstract The publicity of journalism has long been central to anti-corruption politics in the United States. This article explores relations between and corruption early twentieth-century Chicago shows how newspapers could be used by corrupt politicians consolidate even constitute their power. By examining three-term mayoralty William Hale ‘Big Bill’ Thompson, considers a range media strategies, from press-baiting propaganda boosterism, that fuelled public controversies about press hypocrisy limited journalism's potential. Thompson's sheds light on broader debates capitalist societies with commercial environments; it also helps illuminate wider histories America.