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W. T. Stead
English newspaper editor (1849ā1912) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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William Thomas Stead (5 July 1849 ā 15 April 1912) was an English newspaper editor who, as a pioneer of investigative journalism, became a controversial figure of the Victorian era.[1] Stead published a series of hugely influential campaigns whilst editor of The Pall Mall Gazette, including his 1885 series of articles, The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon. These were written in support of a bill, later dubbed the "Stead Act", that raised the age of consent from 13 to 16.[2]
W. T. Stead | |
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![]() Photo portrait by E. H. Mills, 1905 | |
Born | William Thomas Stead (1849-07-05)5 July 1849 Embleton, Northumberland, England |
Died | 15 April 1912(1912-04-15) (aged 62) |
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Education | Silcoates School |
Occupation | Newspaper editor |
Notable work | The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon |
Style | Sensationalism |
Stead's "new journalism" paved the way for the modern tabloid in Great Britain.[2] He has been described as "the most famous journalist in the British Empire".[3] He is considered to have influenced how the press could be used to influence public opinion and government policy, and advocated "Government by Journalism".[4] He was known for his reportage on child welfare, social legislation and reformation of England's criminal codes.
Stead died in the sinking of the RMS Titanic.[2]