When Publishers Invited Federal Regulation to Curb Circulation Abuses

Abstract

The press, like many businesses operating in an environment of corporate liberalism, has invited selective government intervention into its circulation practices several times in the twentieth century. These requests seemingly contradict the widely held belief—a cornerstone of the libertarian tradition—-that government poses the principal threat to press freedom. This policy history, however, shows a cooperative press-government partnership where industry leaders comfortably worked with lawmakers to formulate policy to fight off unfair competition and to reassure advertisers.