# Journalism and Power in Psmith, Journalist

> Theme guide for Psmith, Journalist by P. G. Wodehouse.

The narrative explores how journalism can be transformed from a bland domestic publication into a powerful force for exposing corruption and influencing public opinion, while also facing violent opposition from those in power.

## Where it surfaces

- [Psmith, Journalist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/psmith-journalist): Psmith and Billy use the power of the press to challenge corrupt landlords and gang violence.
- [Cosy Moments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/i-cosy-moments): The chapter introduces Cosy Moments as a domestic paper founded as an antidote to yellow journalism, and shows the editor's control over content and the tension between editorial vision and the realities of running a paper.
- [Planning Improvements](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/v-planning-improvements): Psmith and Billy plan to use Cosy Moments as a tool for exposing wrongdoing and championing the people's rights, illustrating the transformative potential of the press.
- [The Tenements](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/vi-the-tenements): The overhaul of Cosy Moments and the plan to use the paper as a tool for exposing slum conditions highlights the power of journalism to effect change.
- [Visitors at the Office](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/vii-visitors-at-the-office): Psmith's handling of the angry contributors highlights the tension between journalistic ambition and the backlash from those exposed.
- [The Honeyed Word](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/viii-the-honeyed-word): Psmith's diplomatic handling of the contributors' revolt illustrates the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and authority struggles in a newspaper office.
- [Full Steam Ahead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/ix-full-steam-ahead): The chapter highlights the power of the press to investigate and expose social injustices, using Cosy Moments as a platform.
- [X: Going Some](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/x-going-some): The chapter highlights the power of the press to expose corruption and the attempts to silence it through bribery.
- [The Man at the Astor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xi-the-man-at-the-astor): The tenement exposé puts the editors in conflict with a wealthy backer who uses gangs to silence them, highlighting the risks of investigative journalism.
- [A Red Taximeter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xii-a-red-taximeter): The surveillance suggests that their investigative work on the tenement exposé has attracted powerful enemies, highlighting the risks journalists face.
- [XIV: The Highfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xiv-the-highfield): Cosy Moments' backing of Kid Brady is a key plot point; the fight's outcome is seen as an omen for the newspaper's fortunes.
- [Guerilla Warfare](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xvii-guerilla-warfare): The chapter highlights the challenges of investigative journalism when facing organized opposition, as the paper's distribution is sabotaged and the editors must find new ways to expose the truth.
- [Concerning Mr. Waring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxii-concerning-mr-waring): The chapter shows how the press can expose political corruption, as Psmith and Billy plan to use the evidence against Waring to influence the election.
- [Reductions in the Staff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxiii-reductions-in-the-staff): The raids and searches are orchestrated by enemies to suppress the newspaper's exposé, showing the conflict between journalism and corrupt power.
- [XXVIII: Standing Room Only](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxviii-standing-room-only): The chapter highlights the struggle for control of Cosy Moments, with Psmith asserting his authority as acting editor and defending the paper's new sensationalist direction against the traditionalist Wilberfloss.
- [The Knockout for Mr. Waring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxix-the-knockout-for-mr-waring): Psmith's acquisition of Cosy Moments demonstrates how ownership of a newspaper can shift power dynamics and influence reform.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/themes/journalism_and_power
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/themes