Final answer:
Newspapers in the nineteenth century were controlled by political parties, powerful syndicates, and influential figures like Hearst and Pulitzer, who had considerable impact on framing public opinion and events. Muckraking journalism emerged to expose societal issues, alongside a growth towards professionalism in reporting.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the nineteenth century, newspapers were largely controlled by political parties and powerful newspaper syndicates, including figures like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, who used their publications to socially construct national and world events. Many newspapers were subsidized directly by political parties such as the Republican and Democratic Parties, and the content was often influenced by the need to align with or promote specific political ideologies.
The period saw the advent of the telegraph, which revolutionized information distribution. Local newspapers frequently reprinted articles from nationally leading syndicates, and these were circulated through the wire. However, the growth in literacy and the number of journalists led to a burgeoning of viewpoints, including muckraking journalism that aimed to expose corruption and scandals.
As the century turned, the media landscape began to change with a shift towards professional, unbiased journalism, although media empires continued to exercise significant influence over public opinion and politics. The competitive nature of the newspaper industry during this era helped shape the development of journalism and the spread of ideas, contributing to broader public discourse on political and social issues.