“Journalism 101” The history and purpose behind the “news”

History Define journalism: a gathering and transmitting of news Began by only using word of mouth –Limited the content that people gave and received –Example: try playing “telephone” Rome: one of the earliest groups to keep a daily record revealing political news and acts to Roman colonies –Because this information was written down, it became known as a reliable source!

History cont. Invention of the printing press in 1456 contributed to a spreading of the Bible, printed books, and the idea behind the news! Before the “newspaper” appeared – referred to as “news books” Very first “newspaper” = Europe = 17 th century

History cont. First published newspaper (in English) = Oxford Gazette (now the London Gazette) – 1665 First daily newspaper = Daily Courant – 1702 –Published for 30 years Birth of broadcast = 1901 – a wireless transmitter was used to send a signal from the US to Europe –By 1907 this invention began the era of what we now call “broadcast journalism”

Purpose Up for debate… ? What is the purpose behind all journalism? –Inform? –Entertain? –?