Provincial Newspapers: Politics and Censorship

Abstract

This chapter details the emergence of a predominantly nationalist regional press in Ireland during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It also discusses the attendant developments in the journalistic profession plus educational advances that led to significant rises in levels of literacy. The broader political affiliations of regional newspapers are also outlined in detail and the direct involvement of both political parties and individual politicians in the newspaper business is also scrutinised. Furthermore, the overall relationship between the press and the state is analysed. In this context this chapter explores the increasing deployment of newspapers as a propaganda weapon, particularly during wartime. Additionally, the issue of censorship is examined and the restrictions under which Irish newspapers were compelled to operate during the 1914-21 period are fully investigated.