In this course, we will trace the history of American journalism and examine how control of the press has shifted over time, from political patrons and penny-press advertisers to broadcast regulators, cable moguls, and today’s social media platforms. We will consider how each shift has shaped journalism’s relationship to democracy and public trust. We will develop a richer understanding of why American media looks the way it does today and a more critical eye for the structural forces that influence news coverage. We will deepen our appreciation for the independent, nonprofit, and public media institutions working to sustain journalism as a public good.

Course Trailer: Paper Trails: The History of US Mass Media Ownership (Vimeo)

Note: Registration for the Summer Osher National Online courses will close on Tuesday, January 6, 2027.

Osher Online™ courses are not recorded.