Ida Tarbell

When it comes to solid writing and reporting, one of the very best magazines in the history of print journalism was "McClure's." Created by S.S. McClure in the late 1800s, at its peak it boasted an all-star team of writers on its payroll, including folks like Lincoln Steffins, William Allen White, and Ray Stannard Baker. Rounding out that "Murderer's Row" was Ida Tarbell. For starters, having a female do this kind of work tipped the scales in the "no way" category. But with the fact that Tarbell was an outstanding writer, relentless reporter and absolutely fearless when it came to tackling tough topics, her mere existence added all kind of layers to the term "unique."

A great example of Tarbell's doggedness was her series of stories on Standard Oil run by the powerful J.D, Rockefeller. Even her own father, according to Liza Mundy in the January 2020 issue of The Atlantic, pleaded with his daughter, "Don't do it, Ida." He feared Rockefeller would destroy her career. Of course, Tarbell did "do it." She observed the financial titan up close, uncovered a number of court filings against him and even interviewed his close associates.  The result was she shed light on secret deals Standard Oil had made with major railroad companies that ultimately led to the break up of this oil company's monopoly.   

Tarbell is worth remembering because of her uncompromising devotion to truth. Her efforts helped usher in industrial and economic reform in what historians call the Progressive Era, according to Smithsonian magazine. Not just wanna-be reporters, but even folks hoping to pursue careers in public relations should take note of Tarbell. As a professional communicator, she believed in facts and letting them dictate the essence of what she put forth in her writings. Truth is all the spin any and all professional communicators should need. Tarbell is a reminder that one can promote and attempt to sway others on the wings of truth rather deception.