History of Muckraking
Muckraking was a form of investigative journalism during the Progressive Era, and its name was coined by President Theordore Roosevelt to describe these journalists who exposed corruption in business and government. Muckraking functioned as a vital role in raising awareness about social issues, and ultimately advocating for reform. President Theodore Roosevelt did not always approve of the progressive-minded journalists, but stated, 1 There is filth on the floor, and it must be scraped up with the muck-rake. 1 Thus, the term stuck. It’s important to understand the topic of muckraking insofar as it provides insight into how powerful the media can be in influencing public opinion and the shaping of public policy. It additionally provides a better understanding of the power of investigative journalism and its true potential for positive social and political reform.
1 “Bria 24 1 b Upton Sinclairs the Jungle: Muckraking the Meat-Packing Industry.” Constitutional Rights Foundation, FALL 2008 (Volume 24, No. 1)
2 Howard, Alex. "Teddy Roosevelt: the man who coined the “muckraker.” December 2, 2009