Press and Communications

Abstract

V-J Day signaled the start of the postwar journalistic era, with almost immediate announcements of plans for expanded newspaper and radio facilities and activities, changeover of advertising themes, new editorial interest in local news, and a re-valuation of foreign news. The general labor unrest of reconversion was reflected in strikes throughout the newspaper industry, several newspapers in half a dozen cities ceasing publication altogether at the height of the disputes. The AP case became virtually a closed issue with the denial of a rehearing by the Supreme Court, and AP officials made ready to revise their by-laws in compliance with the original judgment against them. Meantime, the question of worldwide press freedom passed from the stage of academic discussion into the field of practical politics as countries everywhere began adjusting themselves to the tasks of peace.—W. F. S.