This book is the first to place the contemporary debate over media bias in historical context, illustrating how partisan bias in the American media has built political parties, set the stage for several wars, and even contributed to the rise and fall of U.S. presidents. The author discusses the rise of the unprecedented post-World War II model of objective journalism and explains why this model is breaking down under the challenge of a new generation of technology-driven partisan media alternatives.

Si Sheppard is an associate professor of American Politics at Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York.

Table of Contents


Preface     

Introduction: Bias-A New Debate?     


1. The Rise of the Party Press, 1789-1824     

3. From Civil War to Gilded Age, 1860-1896     

4. The Newspaper Barons, 1896-1960     

5. The Liberal Media? 1960-Today     


Conclusion: Toward a New Understanding of Bias     

Appendix: Newspaper Endorsements for President, 1940-1996     

Chapter Notes     

Bibliography     

Index