In 1865, the Associated Press wrote an article about the association of President Lincoln. How do you think readers reacted to this report as this was a different style and tone in reporting , how was it different from today's reporting? How were the way major events were reported then versus now?

Question

Write a detailed response in one to two paragraphs to these questions and support it with examples from within the 1865 article in the Associated Press.

Answer 1

In 1865, when the Associated Press reported on President Lincoln's assassination, readers likely experienced a mix of shock and somber reflection. The tone of the article would have embodied a formal and reverent style, characteristic of the time. Such reporting often included elaborate language and a focus on the gravity of the event. For example, the article might have elaborated on Lincoln's contributions to the nation, using grandiose phrasing to convey a sense of loss, evoking emotional reactions from readers who were grappling with the implications of his death at a time of profound national strife. The focus would have been more on the narrative and the historical significance rather than the sensationalism that can characterize modern news reporting.

In contrast, contemporary reporting tends to prioritize immediacy, brevity, and often a more direct, no-nonsense style. Today, news articles might quickly summarize events, incorporate multimedia elements, and provide various perspectives to engage a wider audience. For instance, coverage of a similar event today would likely include live updates, social media reactions, and analysis of public sentiment, all presented in a fast-paced format designed to capture attention in a crowded news landscape. This shift reflects broader changes in society's consumption patterns, driven by technology and a demand for instant information, contrasting sharply with the more measured and reverential approach taken during Lincoln's time.