The Most Famous Muckraker, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the muckraker you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 20, 2024 08:15

In the bustling world of journalism, the role of muckrakers has been pivotal in shaping public perception and policy. These journalists dive deep into investigative reporting to expose corruption and injustices, often sparking significant reforms. Knowing which muckrakers have had the largest impact can provide insights into the history and future directions of investigative journalism. By voting for your top muckrakers, you contribute to a collective understanding of which investigative stories resonated the most and why. This dynamic list, shaped by your votes, not only highlights the most influential figures in muckraking but also reflects the evolving concerns and values of society. Engage in shaping this historical narrative by casting your vote today.

Who Is the Most Famous Muckraker?

1

79
votes

Photo credit: InternationalPublished in Time Magazine · Public domain

Upton Sinclair

Sinclair is considered the most famous muckraker due to his book "The Jungle" which exposed the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry in 1906.
2

27
votes

James Edward Purdy · Public domain

Ida Tarbell

Tarbell's exposé on the Standard Oil Company in 1904 is considered a landmark in the history of investigative journalism. Her work contributed to the breakup of the company.
3

16
votes

George G. Rockwood · Public domain

Lincoln Steffens

Steffens is known for his work on political corruption in the early 1900s. His book "The Shame of the Cities" exposed the corrupt practices of city governments.
4

18
votes
Mef.ellingen · CC BY-SA 4.0

Nellie Bly

Bly was a pioneer in investigative journalism who went undercover in an insane asylum to expose the mistreatment of patients. She also traveled around the world in 72 days, breaking the record at the time.
Nellie Bly in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous investigative journalist
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous traveler
5

9
votes

Pirie MacDonald · Public domain

Jacob Riis

Riis was a journalist and photographer who exposed the living conditions of the poor in New York City's slums through his book "How the Other Half Lives."
6

5
votes

Uncredited Bain News Service photographer. · Public domain

Ray Stannard Baker

Baker's series of articles on race relations in the South in the early 1900s helped to bring attention to the issue and push for change.
7

13
votes
Mary Garrity · Public domain

Ida B. Wells

Wells was a journalist and civil rights activist who exposed the widespread lynching of African Americans in the South in the late 1800s.
Ida B. Wells in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous investigative journalist
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous social worker
8

12
votes

George Seldes

Seldes was a journalist and author who exposed corporate and government corruption in the early 1900s. He was blacklisted by the media for his outspoken views.
9

6
votes

George Grantham Bain Collection (Library of Congress) · Public domain

David Graham Phillips

Phillips was a journalist and author who exposed political corruption and influence in the early 1900s. His book "The Treason of the Senate" caused a national scandal.
10

7
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Frank Norris

Norris was a journalist and novelist who exposed the corrupt practices of the railroad industry in his book "The Octopus."

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Ranking factors for famous muckraker

The impact of their work

How influential and game-changing were the problems they uncovered?
The level of exposure they received

How many people were made aware of their work?
Their reach

How widely were their writings read or their speeches heard?
The controversy they generated

How much debate did their work generate, and how well did they defend their position?
Their historical significance

How much of their work endures and how important is it to society today?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous muckraker. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or muckraker is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1822 views
188 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each muckraker once every 24 hours. The rank of each muckraker is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous muckraker

Muckrakers were a group of investigative journalists who gained prominence in the early 20th century. They were known for their exposés on corruption, social injustices, and political scandals. The term "muckraker" was coined by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, who criticized the journalists for only focusing on the negative aspects of society. Despite this, muckrakers played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and bringing about social and political reforms. Some of the most famous muckrakers include Upton Sinclair, Ida Tarbell, Lincoln Steffens, and Ray Stannard Baker. Their works shed light on issues such as child labor, monopolies, and government corruption, and inspired a new era of investigative journalism. Today, muckraking continues to be an important part of journalism and serves as a reminder of the power of the press to hold those in power accountable.