William Randolph Hearst

Media mogul, yellow journalism

Modern influential 135 sayings

Sayings by William Randolph Hearst

The power of the press is the greatest power in the world.

Unknown — Belief in the influence of newspapers
Controversial Unverifiable

It is the duty of a newspaper to be a mirror of the community.

Unknown — Role of a newspaper
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not afraid of anything except the truth.

Unknown — Personal statement
Controversial Unverifiable

The public is always interested in a good fight.

Unknown — Observation on public interest
Controversial Unverifiable

I have always believed that the best way to get the public to read a newspaper is to give them what they want.

Unknown — Strategy for newspaper success
Controversial Unverifiable

The American people are a great people, but they are easily misled.

Unknown — View on the American public
Controversial Unverifiable

The newspaper is the only business that can make money by giving away its product.

Unknown — Business model of newspapers
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not interested in facts, I am interested in news.

Unknown — Journalistic priority
Controversial Unverifiable

The press is the only check on government.

Unknown — Role of the press
Controversial Unverifiable

The public wants to be entertained, and it is the duty of the newspaper to entertain them.

Unknown — Function of newspapers
Controversial Unverifiable

I have always believed that the best way to influence public opinion is to control the news.

Unknown — Strategy for influencing public opinion
Controversial Unverifiable

All work and no play may make Jim a dull boy, but no work and all play makes Jim all kinds of a jackass.

Undated, widely attributed (likely early 20th century) — General life advice or observation.
Humorous Unverifiable

News is what people don't want you to print. Everything else is ads.

Undated, widely attributed (likely early 20th century) — Definition of news, reflecting his journalistic philosophy.
Humorous Unverifiable

Any issue, the front page of which failed to elicit a 'Gee whiz!' from its readers was a failure, whereas the second page ought to bring forth a 'Holy Moses!' and the third an astounded 'God Almighty!'

Early 20th century — Describing his editorial philosophy for attracting readers, as recounted by Oscar Lewis.
Humorous Unverifiable

The public is not interested in facts, but in the sensation.

early 1900s — General philosophy of his newspaper empire.
Humorous Unverifiable

When you have to deal with a man who is a beast, you must be a beast yourself.

early 1900s — Discussing tactics in business or politics.
Humorous Unverifiable

Our government is a government of the people, by the people, for the people, and it will be as good as the people make it.

early 1900s — A patriotic statement, likely from a speech or editorial.
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a newspaper man, and I believe in newspapers.

early 1900s — Self-identification and professional pride.
Humorous Unverifiable

You can always tell a good newspaper by its enemies.

early 1900s — A statement on the controversy and impact of journalism.
Humorous Unverifiable

The most important thing for a young man is to get money -- and a lot of it.

early 1900s — Advice on financial ambition.
Humorous Unverifiable