The Adorable Origins of Yellow Journalism
The Yellow Kid was wise beyond his years. By 1900, he’d already sold cigars, staged a cock fight and been around the world. So what was the appeal of this unlikely pop icon? And what did he have to do with yellow journalism? Associate producer Rachel Quimby explains.
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*Many thanks to Catherine Moore and Jesse Dukes for lending their remarkable vocal talent as the Yellow Kid and Pushy Advertisers, respectively*
This is such a wonderful presentation of a little known piece of history. It works on many levels and Rachel Quimby’s humor and excellent writing carries it. Wish we could hear more from her– I like her speaking voice too. Well done!
QuoteThis is a laugh-out-loud history lesson. Reminds me of the best episodes of “The Simpsons,” in that you’re afraid to laugh too long, because there’s so much good stuff you might miss the next bit. LOOOOVED all the voices: Who does them???!!!
QuoteAs a journalism student, i was also taking notes. You had information we didn’t get in class! In fact, must run now and replay this show!
Ack, Herstory (and many thanks!)– you remind me that I forgot to give credit to our amazing voice over actors/producers! I’ll post some creds right now. And good for you for all your journalism studying and note-taking. You’d make Hearst and Pulitzer proud.
QuoteYou gave a wonderfully rich and funny picture of the unrestrained commercial boosterism of America at the start of the 20th century. A thousand clever gadgets and gizmos were clamoring for the attention of people could probably have done without them . The off spring of these hucksters would go on to produce late night commercials for Vegematics and kudzu knives. Thanks for this bit of social history.
QuoteGreat history lesson! The voices and sound effects were wonderful. I hope to here more from the very talented Rachel Quimby.
QuoteTerrific report, Rachel, well written and (surprise!) performed by your crew of voices. The story’s well-worth the effort, some parts of which i was familiar with. I knew about Pulitzer & Heart and their rivalry but not that the kid was Irish, or such a wise-ass. While I know the Irish were victims of prejudice and racism back then, I can’t help but think that the kind of bravado shown by the kid — and its fantastic popularity — helped ease some of the pressures. And here’s a tiny bit of my own backstory that made me sit up and tale notice and for which I’m very grateful. My Irish grandfather was a first generation American who would have been a kid growing up in The Kid’s day. His favorite expression whenever something made him wonder? “Hully gee.”
So thanks again Rachel. I never thought I’d be hearing Pop be put in historical context for me by listening to your report.
QuoteWHOA, Jeremiah! Your grampa used the expression, “Hully gee”!? That shows that the idea of “buzzwords” being picked up from … I thought … TV and radio, really go back to newspaper days!
QuoteCOOL!
Her: Between newspapers and radio — then and now — what hasn’t been said and circulated and brought to life? I’m hoping that the dear old embattled newspaper shows the resilience of radio — as seen in programming like Backstory & This American Life & the so-old-fashioned-it’s new Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. Creativity is the key and it seems to always find a medium to express itself….
QuoteWow, that was fun! I liked the voice of the reader with the music. What an entertaining way to learn a bit of history!
QuoteWhat a great way to learn a bit of history–entertaining reading voice with era music!
QuoteWhat a lovely little piece of journalism history! Not only does the piece tell me something I didn’t know, but it also places it so well in time that I understand the how and the why. Delightful! I worked in newspapers for more than 20 years, and never knew this story. Rachel’s voice and manner are tremendously engaging, too. Thank you!
QuoteWhat a rich, melodious voice your narrator has! But even better–she has a story to tell! I loved the music in the background, I loved what I learned about The Yellow Kid, I loved the look back into the Real New York, and I loved the actors who provided other voices! Keep up the good work, everybody!
QuoteA wonderful history lesson. Rachel has a very sooting, easy to listen to voice. Loved the realistic dialogues and the background music certainly made you feel like you were there. Thank you Rachel.
QuoteGood job, Quimby! I only wish I could have seen your face while I was listening…your other listeners are missing that part of the treat. The information was totally new to me, though I’ve certainly used the term enough–esp. in the past decade or two. I think the cartoons, especially ‘Around the World’ are truly works of art. Just look at the detail and complexity of the drawings. You are one talented gal (no surprise there) and it is pure pleasure ’seeing’ your work. Keep it coming!
Quoterachel is a star! for all who loved this adorable piece, there is more where it came from. listen here: (it’s lovely.)
http://www.prx.org/pieces/23516-a-jew-grows-in-rockland
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