Key Documents: Section III. Journalism Education: Preparation for Change - Journalism White Papers on Changes in Education and Media

Introduction

Joseph Pulitzer, a respected newspaper publisher, gave the founding gift for The Journalism School at Columbia University in 1903. At the time, there were no graduate schools of journalism anywhere in the United States, and many in the field could not see the educational merit of such an endeavor. Horace White, a prominent editor, soon wrote a mocking article in North American Review that made the case against the need for Columbia's Journalism School or any other that might follow. Pulitzer's May 1904 rebuttal in the same publication became what Columbia's current dean, Nicholas Lemann, called “an eloquent and heartfelt manifesto” for the school and journalism schools in general.

Pulitzer's reply begins by countering White's notion that great journalists are products, for the most part, of nature rather than nurture—“born, not made.” The writer systematically refutes White's claim that fine journalism stems primarily from fortunate gifts obtained at birth. He argues that the aptitude to sniff out the news, a heightened social conscience, and the moral courage to go after the dangerous or unpopular story can more readily be gained through specialized journalism classes and experience than simply via good genes. He also responds to the belief, still alive today, that journalism is best learned in the newspaper office or through undergraduate coursework in subjects like composition, political science, and history.

Pulitzer eventually takes a prescient look at what kinds of classes the graduate journalism schools might offer and who should teach them. In the article, he envisions a faculty of experienced, still-active journalists of high moral character with a love of teaching. They teach journalistic style and principles, ethics, relevant literature, statistics and economics, the power of ideas, the law as it applies to journalism, and much more. Above all they preach the concept that this work in journalism is geared to serve the community, the public good, and not just for the sake of commerce.

—Glenn Lewis Volume Editor

Joseph Pulitzer—“the College of Journalism”

NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW No. DLXX. MAY, 1904.

THE COLLEGE of JOURNALISM.

A Review of Criticisms and Objections—Reflections Upon the Power, the Progress and the Prejudices of the Press—Why Specialized Concentration and Education at College Would Improve the Character and Work of Journalists and So Promote the Welfare of the Republic.

“The man who writes, the man who month in and month out, week in and week out, day in and day out, furnishes the material which is to shape the thoughts of our people, is essentially the man [Page 1775]who more than any other determines the character of the people and the kind of government this people shall possess.”—PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT, April 7, 1904.

BY JOSEPH PULITZER.

The editor of the North American Review has asked me to reply to an article recently printed in its pages criticising the College of Journalism which it has been my pleasure to found and permanently to endow in Columbia University. In complying with his request I have enlarged the scope of the reply to include all other criticisms and misgivings, many honest, some shallow, some based on misunderstanding, but the most representing only prejudice and ignorance. If my comment upon these criticisms shall seem to be diffuse and perhaps repetitious, my apology is that—alas!—I am compelled to write by voice, not by pen, and to revise the proofs by ear, not by eye—a somewhat difficult task. Some of my critics have called my scheme “visionary.” If it be so I can at least plead that it is a vision I have cherished long, thought upon deeply and followed persistently. Twelve years ago I submitted the idea to President Low of Columbia, when it was declined. I have ever since continued to perfect and organize the scheme in my mind, until it is now accepted. In examining the criticisms and misgivings I have endeavored to do so without prejudice, anxious only to find the truth. I admit that the difficulties are many, but after weighing them all impartially I am more firmly convinced than ever of the ultimate success of the idea. Before the century closes schools of journalism will be generally accepted as a feature of specialized higher education, like schools of law or of medicine.

...