Heralding Economic and Political Independence: Danville, Virginias Newspaper Editors Adopt James Gordon Bennett's Penny Press Model during the Civil War

Abstract

This study examines a reporting model change in Danville, Virginia newspapers between 1860–1865. As the Civil War approached, the town's newspaper editors began using railroad and telegraph to report the latest events in their community, state, and nation. This marked a change from traditional southern antebellum reporting, which consisted of political party news, dated articles clipped from other publications, and strong editorial comment. With telegraph linking their town with Richmond in November 1860, Danville's editors eventually adopted a reporting model more consistent with James Gordon Bennett's penny press model, making their reporting a timely commodity.