William Randolph Hearst

Media mogul, yellow journalism

Modern influential 135 sayings

Sayings by William Randolph Hearst

The main thing is to keep the presses rolling.

early 1900s — Emphasizing the continuous production and dissemination of news.
Humorous Unverifiable

I am for anything that will make the paper sell.

early 1900s — A pragmatic and commercially driven philosophy for his newspapers.
Humorous Unverifiable

Public opinion is a powerful force.

early 1900s — Acknowledging the sway of popular sentiment.
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't believe in principles, I believe in expediency.

early 1900s — A cynical and pragmatic view on decision-making.
Humorous Unverifiable

The more you tell, the more they want.

early 1900s — A principle of sensational journalism.
Humorous Unverifiable

It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.

early 1900s — A Machiavellian principle, sometimes attributed to him in his business dealings.
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a collector of everything interesting.

early 1900s — Reflecting his vast and eclectic collections at Hearst Castle.
Humorous Unverifiable

The American people will not be fooled.

early 1900s — A statement of faith in public discernment, perhaps ironic given his journalistic methods.
Humorous Unverifiable

I want to reach the masses.

early 1900s — His clear goal for his media empire.
Humorous Unverifiable

The press is the mirror of public opinion.

early 1900s — Defining the press's role as a reflection of society.
Humorous Unverifiable

I started out with nothing and I still have most of it.

early 1900s — A self-deprecating joke, considering his immense wealth.
Humorous Unverifiable

Give me a good headline and I'll sell the paper.

early 1900s — Emphasizing the importance of catchy and sensational headlines.
Humorous Unverifiable

I believe in the power of suggestion.

early 1900s — Referring to the influence of media on public thought.
Humorous Unverifiable

News is what somebody does not want you to print. All the rest is advertising.

1920s — Defining journalism in his newspaper empire
Controversial Unverifiable

The American people are tired of being fooled by the press.

1930 — Criticizing rival newspapers in an editorial
Controversial Unverifiable