Final answer:
In the late 1800s, mass media outlets, primarily newspapers, played a significant role in shaping public opinion by presenting a variety of viewpoints, engaging in investigative journalism, and sensationalizing events. The use of new technologies like the linotype machine and the telegraph transformed the speed and spread of information, fostering the growth of media empires and the rise of muckrakers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mass Media Outlets in the Late 1800s
In the late 1800s, mass media outlets commonly engaged in various activities that shaped public opinion and politics. Newspapers proliferated across America, with cities boasting multiple publications in different languages, reflecting the immigrant population and diverse political views of the time. The rise of the penny press made newspapers more accessible, while the use of the linotype machine and improved transportation reduced costs and expanded circulation.
With the advent of the telegraph, information could be spread rapidly, transforming journalism and increasing the influence of publishers like Hearst and Pulitzer. However, this era also saw the rise of muckrakers, journalists who conducted investigative reporting to expose societal issues, particularly those related to corruption and abuses of power.
The late 1800s newspapers were not only platforms for news but also acted as de facto mouthpieces for various political factions, promoting or denouncing policies and opinions, thereby heavily influencing public discourse. The journalism of this era often sensationalized events, as seen in the coverage of the naval arms race and the Dreyfus Affair. Despite sometimes being criticized for the sensationalizing of news, newspapers were crucial in informing the public and shaping the political landscape.