Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A prominent American newspaper publisher: William Randolph Hearst was a significant figure in American media history, known for founding the Hearst newspaper chain and developing a style of journalism characterized by large, attention-grabbing headlines and sensationalized reporting, which came to be known as "yellow journalism."

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • William Randolph Hearst built a vast media empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The journalistic rivalry between William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer is famous in media history.
  • The film Citizen Kane is loosely based on the life of William Randolph Hearst.

Advanced Usage

• "Hearstian" (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of William Randolph Hearst or his methods, especially in journalism.
  • The article's sensational tone was described as Hearstian.
• "Hearst Castle": Refers to the lavish estate built by William Randolph Hearst in San Simeon, California, which is now a historical monument.
  • We toured the opulent rooms of Hearst Castle.

Variants and Related Words

• Hearst: Often used alone to refer to the media corporation he founded or his legacy.
  • She works for a Hearst publication.
• Hearst Corporation: The media conglomerate founded by William Randolph Hearst.
• Yellow journalism: A style of newspaper reporting that emphasizes sensationalism over facts, heavily associated with Hearst's publications.

Synonyms

• Media magnate: A person who owns or controls a large media company.
• Newspaper baron: A powerful owner of a newspaper or chain of newspapers.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Remember the Maine!": A famous slogan and headline from Hearst's during the lead-up to the Spanish-American War, exemplifying his sensationalist style.
  • Historians often cite "Remember the Maine!" as an example of yellow journalism.

Noun

1. United States newspaper publisher whose introduction of large headlines and sensational reporting changed American journalism (1863-1951)