"The Brass Check: A Study of American Journalism" is a non-fiction book written by Sinclair Upton. The book is a scathing critique of American journalism in the early 20th century. Upton argues that the American press is controlled by the wealthy and powerful, who use it to maintain their dominance and suppress dissent. The book's title refers to the brass tokens used by streetcar conductors to ensure passengers had paid their fares. Upton uses this metaphor to argue that the American press is a tool used by the wealthy to ensure that the public remains docile and compliant. Upton examines various aspects of American journalism, including the way news is gathered and reported, the role of advertising, and the relationship between the press and the government. He argues that the press is not objective but is instead driven by profit and the interests of its owners. Moreover, "The Brass Check" is a powerful indictment of the American press and remains relevant today as a critique of media ownership and control.
