2.3 The Birth of Newspapers and Periodicals

Early newspapers and periodicals emerged in Europe and North America in the 17th century, revolutionizing mass communication. These publications, like Germany's "Relation" and Boston's "Publick Occurrences," shaped public opinion and fostered political discourse.

Key figures like Benjamin Harris and John Peter Zenger played crucial roles in developing print journalism. Newspapers served as watchdogs, exposing corruption and promoting press freedom. They also facilitated the spread of ideas, connecting communities and shaping shared identities.

The Emergence and Impact of Early Newspapers and Periodicals

Emergence of early print media

Top images from around the web for Emergence of early print media

• 

  Lines of Thought: Discoveries that Changed the World | University of Cambridge View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Collection of Historical Newspaper Issues, 1723-1941 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Gutenberg Press 3 | Accompanying description: www.flickr.com… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Lines of Thought: Discoveries that Changed the World | University of Cambridge View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Collection of Historical Newspaper Issues, 1723-1941 View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Emergence of early print media

• 

  Lines of Thought: Discoveries that Changed the World | University of Cambridge View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Collection of Historical Newspaper Issues, 1723-1941 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Gutenberg Press 3 | Accompanying description: www.flickr.com… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Lines of Thought: Discoveries that Changed the World | University of Cambridge View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Collection of Historical Newspaper Issues, 1723-1941 View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• First printed newspapers appeared in Europe in the early 17th century
  • Germany's "Relation" (1605) considered one of the earliest examples
  • France's "Gazette" (1631) established by Théophraste Renaudot
  • England's "The London Gazette" (1665) founded as the official government publication
• In North America, print journalism took root in the British colonies
  • "Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick" (1690) published in Boston, first newspaper in the colonies
  • "The Boston News-Letter" (1704) launched as the first continuously published newspaper in the colonies
• Several factors contributed to the rise of newspapers and periodicals
  • Invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century revolutionized mass communication
  • Increasing literacy rates, particularly among the middle class, expanded the potential readership
  • Growing demand for news and information in an age of exploration, trade, and political upheaval

Key figures in print journalism

• Benjamin Harris, an English journalist, published "Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick" in Boston
• John Campbell, postmaster of Boston, established "The Boston News-Letter" and served as its editor
• James Franklin, older brother of Benjamin Franklin, founded "The New England Courant" (1721) in Boston
  • The paper was known for its satirical and anti-establishment content
• Benjamin Franklin began his career as an apprentice at "The New England Courant"
  • Later, he published "The Pennsylvania Gazette" (1729) in Philadelphia, which became one of the most successful colonial newspapers
• John Peter Zenger, a German-American printer, published "The New York Weekly Journal" (1733)
  • Zenger faced a landmark libel trial for criticizing the colonial governor, which established the principle of press freedom in America

Newspapers and public opinion

• Newspapers and periodicals played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and political discourse
  • Published essays, editorials, and letters expressing diverse viewpoints on issues such as the American Revolution and the Constitution
  • Served as platforms for political debate and discussion, helping to inform and engage the public
• Print media also served as watchdogs, exposing government corruption and abuse of power
  • Zenger's case highlighted the importance of a free press in holding those in power accountable
  • "The New York Weekly Journal" criticized colonial governor William Cosby, leading to Zenger's arrest and trial
• Newspapers and periodicals facilitated the spread of ideas and information across geographic boundaries
  • Connected communities and fostered a sense of shared identity, particularly in the lead-up to the American Revolution

Evolution of journalistic practices

• Early print media saw a gradual shift from partisan journalism to more objective reporting
  • Many early newspapers were affiliated with political parties or factions, openly promoting their views
  • The concept of journalistic impartiality and objectivity emerged in the 19th century
• Professional standards and ethics began to develop
  • Emphasis on accuracy, fairness, and public service became more prominent
  • Newspapers sought to establish editorial independence from political and commercial influences
• Investigative journalism and muckraking gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
  • Journalists like Nellie Bly, Ida Tarbell, and Upton Sinclair exposed social problems, corruption, and injustice
  • Their work helped to bring about reforms and shape public opinion

Economics of early newspapers

• Early newspapers relied on various economic and business models
  • Subscription-based model: Readers paid a fixed fee for regular delivery of the newspaper, providing a stable revenue stream and greater editorial independence
  • Advertising-supported model: Newspapers sold advertising space to generate revenue, enabling wider distribution at a lower cost to readers
    • However, this model also raised concerns about the potential for advertisers to influence editorial content
• Postal subsidies and distribution networks played a significant role in the spread of newspapers
  • Government subsidies for newspaper delivery through the postal system helped to facilitate the dissemination of print media
  • This support enabled newspapers to reach rural areas and smaller communities, expanding their readership and impact
• Ownership structures of early newspapers varied
  • Individual proprietorships, partnerships, and joint-stock companies were common forms of ownership
• Printing technology and costs evolved over time
  • Hand-operated printing presses were initially used, limiting production speed and volume
  • The introduction of steam-powered presses in the early 19th century revolutionized the industry, increasing efficiency and reducing costs
• Circulation and market competition drove innovation and growth
  • Newspapers employed various strategies to increase circulation, such as street sales and the use of newsboys
  • Rivalry among newspapers in the same city or region spurred innovation and diversification of content
  • The emergence of the penny press in the 1830s made newspapers more affordable and accessible to a wider audience