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First American Newspaper
America's first newspaper, Publick Occurrences, Both Foreign and Domestick, is published in Boston, Massachusetts. The paper suspends publication after one issue after drawing criticism from the colonial government. http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com -
First Correspondents
The New England Weekly Journal sends the first news correspondents to gather news from surrounding communities. http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/images/usa1.gif -
Zenger Trial
Judges make clear that in order to prove the charge of "seditious libel" prosecutors need only prove that the statements in question were printed. The truth or falsity of the statements was to be irrelevant. Despite the directions of the court, the jury acquits Zenger after a short period of deliberation. http://www.courts.state.ny.us/history/images/zenger_tryal_illustration.jpg -
First American Printing Press
Isaac Doolittle of Connecticut builds the first printing press in America. http://www.edwardsamuels.com/illustratedstory/chapter%201/americanpress.jpg -
Spreading Nationalism
The Massachusetts Spy publishes an eyewitness account of the first battle of the American Revolution. Colonial newspapers print Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, urging colonists to revolt against British rule. Within a month, 20 newspapers print the full text of the Declaration of Independence, declaring freedom across the newly independent country. http://questgarden.com -
Dailies
The Pennsylvania Evening Post, the first daily newspaper begins publication. http://www.abcteach.com/directory/theme_units/newspaper/ -
The First Amendment
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, forbids Congress from making any law "abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press," is ratified. http://home.comcast.net/~DiazStudents/SymbolsConstitution.jpg -
Sedition Act
The Sedition Act of 1798 was enacted during John Adams' administration. The law made it a crime to speak of the government in any manner intended to hold it up to public ridicule and erode its authority. http://72.5.117.144/fif=fpx/sc7/SC782.fpx&obj=iip,1.0&wid=400&cvt=jpeg -
Invention of Rotary Printing Press
Richard M. Hoe invents the rotary printing press, making use of the rolls of newsprint. It multiplys newspaper production and in turn, increases circulation. Pages come off the presses at the rate of 1,100 sheets per hour per side. http://www.oldbookillustrations.com/pages/rotary-printing-press.php?lng=en -
Penny Press
America's first "penny press" newspaper, the New York Sun, is published by Benjamin Day. http://caimages.collectors.com/coinimages/2468/05802873/1833_1162_A.jpg -
Speedy Distribution
Railroads and steamships streamline the newspaper distrubtion process. http://voteview.com/images/dewittc2.gif -
Telegraph
America's first telegraph line, stretching from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore, officially opens for business. http://2mka.wikispaces.com/file/view/TelegraphOperattor.jpg/75185621 -
Associated Press
Groups of newspapers form the Associated Press to create a cooperative news-gathering service that will supply foreign news by ship and telegraph. http://my.barackobama.com/page/-/AssociatedPressLogo-large.jpg -
Inverted Pyramid
Reporters develop the inverted pyramid lead format to make sure that the main point of their story gets through the new technology. http://www.iraqtimeline.com/screenshots/invertedp.gif -
Telephones and Typewriters
Late 19th-early 20th century, telephones and typewriters change the way work is done in the newsroom. http://www.waybacktimes.com/typewritercrandall.jpg -
Sensationalism
Sensationalism or yellow journalism, is used to attract readers. http://poetryfoundation.org/harriet/yellow10.jpg -
Color Sunday Papers
William Randolph Hearst's The New York Journal publishes the first color Sunday funny papers. http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2006/10/12/arts/comi.600.jpg -
Decline in Newspapers
The number of newspapers in the United States begin to decline dramatically during the first half of the twentieth century. Big newspaper chains begin to form. http://metricsman.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/chain-links-jpeg-image-245x328-pixels2.jpg -
Radio Competition
Radio competes with newspapers to disseminate news. http://www.hidden-knowledge.com/mkpix.org/blogs/early_radio/pictures/RadioEntersTheHomeBookAlone-thumb-500x671.jpg -
Canons of Journalism
The American Society of Newspaper Editors create a list of ethical rules for journalists. http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/12.19.96/gifs/ethics-9651.jpg -
Television
People begin to turn to television for the news. http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/10/18/article-1078627-02281598000005DC-210_468x382.jpg -
First Web-only Newspaper Format
The Hearst Corp announces that the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, a 146 year old paper, will become a web-only publication. It is the first major US newspaper to abandon print format. http://designxpress.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/is_newspaper_a_dying_medium.jpg
