Women's Journalism: The Life of Peggy Hull

Peggy Hull: Women in Journalism

In American society there have been major developments ranging from the abolishment of slavery to suffrage to the advancement of the information superhighway. These are things for example, that can be recognized by any random American. Feminism is widely known and respected throughout the United States; however, not many people can identify with women’s roles in a specific genre such as journalism during the two world wars. To become acquainted with the advancement of women’s journalism in society, it is necessary to identify first the two broad avenues, mass media and journalism. By grasping these two topics, it will be easier to maintain an understanding of the importance of women’s journalism. After linking mass media and journalism together this writer tells the story of Peggy Hull, one woman’s passion for journalism and trials and tribulations as a war correspondent throughout her life. 

Due to the development of mass media communications and women’s journalism careers dating back to WWI, the news, an aspect of mass media has been brought to the public’s attention in the best ways possible. The purpose of the mass media is to inform the public of the news in relation to the government and at wartime. The media is responsible, as the watchdog of the government, to notify any changes that may occur (Dominick, 2002, p.86). A change such as the United States standings during WWII was vital for the public to know. Because the United States was claiming to stay neutral, the people had a right to the awareness of why the U.S. entered the war. The media, otherwise known as the press, plays an important role in educating the public at wartime (Cook, 1920, p.1).