It is apparent that the Great Depression became the epoch that greatly changed a vast array of industries and production. The newspapers and printed press were not an exception, being under the dramatic influence of the fluctuating economy of that time. It is evident that the changing horizons and opportunities had to be reflected in the media, and newspapers became one of the leading agents that informed people about the social and economic agenda of that period. As a result, the newspapers took the active role in the process of connection of their readers with the issues that fell out of their competence before. The public finally received an active role in opinion-making since people could participate in the discussions. Although the newspapers were losing their positions with the rise of the radio industry, it is apparent that the Great Depression made them the real platform for the social rhetoric since they made it possible for the people to interact with the editors and express their viewpoints.
The considerable change in the manner of presentation of information to the readers, as well as their role in the media, is evident from the rise of the Malay press as the population of the peninsula increased by 300% (Emmanuel, 2010, p.2). For example, it featured a lot of commentaries, “views, opinions, letters and contributions” (Emmanuel, 2010, p.19), striving to spur debates and discussions of the thorny issues that engrossed the minds of the public of that time. Therefore, the dynamic positioning of the newspapers led to the increased consciousness of the population.
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At the same time, it is crucial to note that the Great Depression also marked the greater competition between the media agents since it was the moment when radio took the foreground, and “66 newspapers went under” (Dominick, 2012) and the share of radio industry greatly increased. Accordingly, it led to a decrease in the “newspaper’s share in national advertising” (Dominick, 2012). Also, it is crucial to note that the circulation of the newspapers was not compatible with the pace of the population growth since it increased by 9 million (Dominick, 2012). It is evident that the newspapers were losing their positions, giving room to the media agents that could cover the needs of greater population. Therefore, it is apparent that the Great Depression had multiple effects on the newspapers. On the one hand, it instilled the agenda of social rhetoric, giving people value in opinion-making, but on the other hand, it marked the dramatic change in the competitive position of the newspapers.
- Dominick, R. J. (2012). The Dynamics of Mass Communication. London: McGraw-Hill Education.
- Emmanuel, M. (2010). Viewspapers: The Malay press of the 1930s. Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 41(1), 1-20.
