Copper Chorus: Mining, Politics, and the Montana Press, 1889–1959

by Dennis L. Swibold

Author Dennis Swibold addresses a key issue in Montana the Anaconda Copper Mining Company's control of nearly all of the state's larger newspapers and its citizens' access to news. Such "captive" journalism was hardly unique to Montana, but in terms of its longevity, reach, and reputation, no industrial entity in any other state matched the Company's hold over Montana's press. The story resonates beyond Montana as a cautionary tale for modern news organizations consumed and marginalized in ever-vaster corporate consolidations, where the temptation to harness news to the service of marketing and image runs strong.

Genres: American History, History

1 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

How Montana used to be a mostly-owned subsidiary of Anaconda Copper - including the newspapers. A fascinating look at how much of the state used to be wholly dependent on the good will of one company.