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The methods by which the 'Empire of Business' maintains its control over journalism are four: First, ownership of the papers; second, ownership of the owners; third, advertising subsidies; and fourth, direct bribery. By these methods there exists in America a control of news and of current comment more absolute than any monopoly in any other industry.

Upton Sinclair#22

MediaJournalismBusinessControlCorruptionNews

About this quote

What does it mean?
Business controls American journalism through ownership, control of owners, advertising, and bribery, creating a monopoly more absolute than any other industry.
In plain terms
Business controls the news through buying papers, owners, ads, and bribes.
What can you take from it?
Economic power can control information flow.

Where it applies

  • media analysis
  • corporate ethics
  • free press

Putting it to work

  • demand media transparency
  • support independent news

Questions to consider

  • Who controls the news?
  • Can journalism be free?

Another view

This view assumes perfect control without resistance.

More from Upton Sinclair

  1. Journalism is one of the devices whereby industrial autocracy keeps its control over political democracy; it is the day-by-day, between-elections propaganda, w…

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  2. The reader will understand that I despise these 'yellows'; they are utterly without honor, they are vulgar and cruel; and yet, in spite of all their vices, I c…

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  3. The first thing brought forth by the study of any religion, ancient or modern, is that it is based upon Fear.

    Permalink to quote #20

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