Wartime news satire, WW1
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Wartime news satire, WW1
A page which at first glance appears to be full of wartime news, but which on more detailed examination turns out to be a satire on press censorship during the First World War. Despite the large amount of text on the page, there is no specific news whatsoever, merely waffle, together with the comment that no news must be good news. Date: 1914
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Media ID 14122746
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Censor Censorship Comment Despatch Information Media News Press Satire Victory Waffle
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Sea of Words: Wartime News Satire and Press Censorship in WWI" This intriguing print, dated 1914, at first glance appears to be a page filled with wartime news from the frontlines of World War I. The bold headlines, the numerous columns of text, and the striking illustrations all contribute to this initial impression. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this is not a genuine news report but a clever satire on the press censorship that dominated the media during this period. The absence of any specific news or substantive information is a dead giveaway. Instead, the page is filled with what can only be described as "waffle" – lengthy, meaningless passages that serve no purpose other than to fill space. The comment at the bottom of the page, "No news must be good news," further underscores the satirical nature of the print. Despite the lack of real news, the print includes numerous references to key players in the war effort, such as the British Army, Sir John French, the French and Russian armies, and the concept of victory dispatches. These elements add a layer of authenticity to the satire, making it all the more effective in highlighting the absurdity of press censorship during this time. The use of satire as a means of commenting on the censorship of information during WWI was a common tactic employed by cartoonists and illustrators of the era. By presenting a seemingly authentic news report that was, in fact, a work of fiction, they were able to draw attention to the ways in which the media was being manipulated and controlled by the authorities. This print serves as a fascinating reminder of the complex relationship between the media, communications, and information during wartime, and the importance of maintaining a critical and discerning eye when consuming news reports. It is a valuable historical artifact that sheds light on the ways in which the press was used, and misused, during the First World War.
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