Existing comment:
W. T. Stead
This tribute to the memory of a journalist of worldwide renown is erected by American friends and admirers. He met death aboard the Titanic April 15, 1912, and is numbered amongst those who, dying nobly, enabled others to live.
Finis Coronat Opus
W. T. Stead
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Thomas Stead (5 July 1849 – 15 April 1912) was an English newspaper editor who, as a pioneer of investigative journalism, became a controversial figure of the Victorian era. Stead published a series of hugely influential campaigns whilst editor of The Pall Mall Gazette, and he is best known for his 1885 series of articles, The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon, written in support of a bill to raise the age of consent from 13 to 16, dubbed the "Stead Act."
Stead's 'new journalism' paved the way for the modern tabloid in Great Britain. He was influential in demonstrating how the press could be used to influence public opinion and government policy, and advocated "Government by Journalism". He was also well known for his reportage on child welfare, social legislation and reformation of England's criminal codes.
Stead died aboard the RMS Titanic in its sinking, and was considered to be one of the most famous Englishmen on board. |