History of Journalism

Prepared by: Md. Mahbubul Haque Osmani Lecturer, MSJ, ULAB

Prehistoric and Ancient Periods

Acta Diurna (latin: Daily Acts sometimes translated as Daily Public Records) Roman Acta Diurna, appearing around 59 B.C. Earliest recorded newspaper Julius Caesar wanted to inform the public - social and political happenings, ordered upcoming events posted in major cities Written on large white boards Displayed in popular place

Prehistoric and Ancient Periods

Acta Diurna, informed about government scandals, military campaigns, trials and execution After the emperor collapsed, news dissemination depended on travelers tales, songs and ballads, letters, and governmental dispatches. In 8th Century China, the first newspaper appeared as hand-written news sheets in Beijing.

Renaissance and the Printing Press

Invention of the movable type printing press, attributed to Johannes Gutenberg in 1456. Printed Gutenberg Bible Born in Mainz, Germany (1398-1468) Gutenberg is supposed to invented movable type printing press in 1450

Renaissance and the Printing Press

First newspapers appeared in Europe in the 17th century. First printed periodical was the Mercurius Gallobelgicus, first appeared in Cologne, new Germany, in 1592 First regularly published newspaper was the Oxford Gazette, first appearing in 1665 An earlier news book, the Continuation of Our Weekly News, had been published regularly in London since 1623

Renaissance and the Printing Press

First daily newspaper, the Daily Currant, appeared in 1702 and continued publication for more than 30 years. Its first editor was also the first women in journalism By this time British had adopted the Press Restriction Act, which required that the printers name and place of publication be included n each printed document.

Journalism in America
First newspaper in the coloniesPublick Occurances - First American Newspaper, 1690 Boston - Published by Benjamin Harris - The paper was shut down after one issue cause alleged an affair between the King of France and his sons wife - A paper had to have royal consent to be published

Journalism in America
Boston News Letter In 1704 John Campbell, the local Boston Postmaster Published with royal permission Paper was dull and monotonous Only 300 subscribers and never made a profit

Journalism in America
the New England Currant - First real colonial newspaper - Published by James Franklin, Bens older brother - Aligned with party interest and did not publish balance content - Ben Franklin was first published in his brothers newspaper, under the pseudonym Silence Do Good, in 1722, and even his brother did not know.

Journalism in America
Pennsylvania Gazette in 1729 - After James Franklin suspended publication of the Curant, Ben Franklin moved to Philadelphia in 1728 and took over the Pennsylvania Gazette the following year. - Ben retired age of 42/ Successful career - Started several papers, published one of Americas first magazines, editorial cartoon, sell advertising copy

Journalism in America
By the 1770s, 89 newspapers were published in 35 cities in America. Newspapers flourished in the new republic by 1800, there were about 234 being published. In 1820, there were 24 dailies, 66 semi or triweeklies and 422 weeklies

The Penny Press

New York Sun, in 1833 Benjamin Day launched it when 22 years old Days idea was to sell daily paper for a penny (price reduction from the 6 cents a copy for other big city dailies) Sun: local news, sex, violence and human interest stories and absent political debates Sun attracted readers and the penny press was launched

The Penny Press

First newspaper to fit the modern definition as a newspaper was the New York Herald, founded in 1835 and published by James Gordon Bennett. Another importance pioneer was Horace Greely New York Tribune appeared in 1841. As soon as their penny papers were successful, they doubled the price.

Significant of The Penny Press

Success of the mass press during 1833-1860 Prior of penny press, most newspapers economic support came from subscription revenue Large circulation of the penny papers made advertisers realization by purchasing space Assuring advertisers a broad-based audience Vendors would buy a hundred copies for 67 cents and sell them for 1 cent each

Significant of The Penny Press

Soon it became to hear newsboys hawking papers on street concern in larger cities Penny press redefined the concept of news Hiring people to go out and look for news Reporters were assigned to special beats: police, financial, sports, religion etc Also foreign correspondents Newspapers emphasized to the social life of the rising middle classes

Journalism in India
The Portuguese introduced the printing press in Goa, in 1557. British East India Company brought about the printing press in India and first press was strolled at Bombay in 1674. Yet there was no newspaper being published for another 100 years.

Journalism in India
September 1768, William Bolts, exservant of the East India Company, informing the public by a notice that the want of a printing press But by the Councils pressure Mr. Bolts was forcibly removed to the boat and taken away from India and nothing came his offer

Journalism in India
Bengal Gazette (English weekly) published by James Augustus Hicky in 1780 January 29th on Saturday, in Calcutta. It was the first news paper in South Asian subcontinent Bengal Gazette alias Hickys Gazette, Calcutta General Advertiser Declaration a weekly political and commercial paper open to all but influenced by none

Journalism in India
Bengal Gazette could not survive more than two years due to sharp confrontation with Governor General Warren Hastings and Chief Justice Elijah Impey Raja Ram Mohan Roy published out free newspapers magazines in the year 1821, namely Sambad Kaumudi (Bengali), Mirat-UlAkbar (Persian), Brahamanical (English).

Journalism in East Bengal

Rangapur Bartabaha: (1847, August-September,
Weekly)

- Enterprise and initial financial help of the landlord Kalichoron Roy in Kundi of Rangpur - Director and editor was Guruchoron Roy - Published from Bartabaha Press in Rangpur - Published every Tuesday - Very oldest newspaper in Bangladesh - Number of circulation was 100 copies - Yearly price 6 rupees

Journalism in East Bengal

Dhaka News: (1856, 18 April, Weekly) - The first newspaper in Dhaka and the second newspaper of Bangladesh - Published from Dhaka Press - Editor was Alexandar Fox