The art of agitation: The nineteenth-century press activism of George Jacob Holyoake

What is it about?

This article sheds light on nineteenth-century English newspaper editor George Jacob Holyoake’s fascinating legacy. It demonstrates how his press activism advanced secularism, freedom of the radical press, and the co-operative movement. Although Holyoake is frequently celebrated by secularists and co-operators alike, I argue it was his alternative journalism which underwrote those campaigns. This research shows how he battled clerical, capitalist, and repressive state power to reshape a pre-democratic Britain. In short, it makes the case for Holyoake's standing as an important figure in journalism history and an alternative media pioneer.

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Photo by Maria Teneva on Unsplash

Photo by Maria Teneva on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The lessons of journalism history not only cast light on past democratic achievements. They also have instructive and inspiring implications for navigating this period of crisis for journalism and democracy--including the development of present-day strategies for expanding the scope of journalistic expression. Holyoake stands out amongst the pantheon of alternative media activists for the wide-ranging scope, significance, and impact of his editorial agitations. In an era of resurgent religious violence, authoritarian populism, and widespread misinformation, these findings show that there remains much to learn from his tenacious and innovative example.

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