Citizen Hearst | American Experience | Watch & Wonder Weekly Highlight

Wednesday, August 28, 1 PM

For next week’s Watch & Wonder Highlight, we’re featuring this episode of American Experience. After watching, dive deeper with resources about what characterizes “advocacy journalism,” and what is controversial about this style of journalism, on PBS LearningMedia.

In Citizen Hearst, explore the life of William Randolph Hearst. The model for Orson Welles’s Citizen Kane, he controlled a vast media empire, wielded unprecedented power and influence, and forever transformed the media’s role in American life and politics.

PBS LearningMedia

The First Media Mogul: The Widespread Influence of William Randolph Hearst | Citizen Hearst

Grades 6-12
Learn how media magnate William Randolph Hearst used the power of the free press to shape public opinion and influence policy with what became known as “advocacy journalism” in these videos adapted from Citizen Hearst | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE. Hearst used his incredible power to advocate both for and against the interests of the working class and raised questions about just how much influence one man should command.

In school or at home, take advantage of the Watch & Wonder broadcast schedule. Running each weekday from 1-3 PM, Watch & Wonder is great for classroom viewing, distance instruction, and families looking to spend some extra, quality time together. Featured programs are ideal for kids in grades 6-12, encouraging creativity with the arts, kick starting innovation through STEM, and expanding their horizons with stories from across the globe!

Each week, we’ll highlight a show from our Watch & Wonder block, and share a PBS LearningMedia resource — suitable for middle and high school students. Follow along on the Watch & Wonder Schedule page, or subscribe to our newsletter!