Reporting the Second World War: The Press and the People 1939-1945

Tim Luckhurst's book Reporting the Second World War challenges the notion that Britains newspapers were mere mouthpieces of state propaganda, highlighting their role as guardians of democracy and propagators of dissenting opinion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The significant impact of Britain's wartime newspaper journalism on shaping public opinion and government policy has been largely disregarded in the existing historiography. This narrative has portrayed Britain's newspapers as mere tools of state propaganda, readily aligning with the desires of the wartime coalition. However, Tim Luckhurst presents a compelling analysis that sheds light on overlooked controversies, highlighting the crucial role played by the press as guardians of democracy and advocates of dissenting opinion in British politics and society.

From the overseas evacuation of children to the Allies' carpet bombing of German cities, these controversies underscore the press's pivotal role in challenging the status quo and advocating for democratic values. Reporting the Second World War is a timely and essential intervention that recognizes the indispensable role of national, regional, and specialist titles in speaking truth to power in a democratic society at war.

By delving into these forgotten controversies, Luckhurst provides a fresh perspective on the wartime press, challenging the notion that it was solely a tool of propaganda. Instead, he reveals the press's capacity to hold the government accountable, expose injustices, and promote a broader understanding of the war's complexities.

This book is a valuable addition to the field of journalism history, offering a comprehensive examination of the role played by the press during a critical period in British history. It sheds light on the ways in which the media can shape public opinion and influence political decisions, and serves as a reminder of the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350149489