History of the Printed Newspaper

in Design & Printing, General

The newspaper has been a part of our daily life for several centuries. They have been a way for the
public to be informed of important events that are occurring around the world. Newspapers have
undergone dramatic changes over the course of history. Some of the earliest newspapers date back to
Ancient Rome where important announcements were carved in stone tablets and placed in highly
populated areas where citizens could be informed of the announcements.
Over the centuries, newspapers have undergone many changes. The biggest change was printing them
on newsprint and use of the printing press. By automating the production of the newspaper, the
number of papers available to the public greatly increased, while making it affordable for people to
purchase one. These developments led to a boom in the newspaper industry where several different
newspapers started to appear in major cities, publishing morning, afternoon and evening editions. These
papers gave readers news, weather, sports and other features that informed and entertained them.
However, over the course of time, newspaper costs continued to rise and the number of newspaper
subscribers continued to fall. This led to a vast reduction in the number of newspapers and newspaper
editions in every market. In addition, with the increase in the use of technology, the public no longer
needed the newspaper for its source of information. Other media such as radio, television and the
Internet started to replace the paper as an information source.
In recent years, newspapers and other media have adapted to the changing technology environment by
starting to offer online editions to cater to the needs of the public. In the future, the trend towards
more electronic delivery of the news will continue with more emphasis on the Internet, social media and
other electronic delivery methods. However, while the method of delivery is changing, the newspaper
and the industry still has a niche in the world.
Early Newspapers

Newspaper History Page providing a brief history of the newspaper and the new industry over
time.

Natural History of the Newspaper Historical publication which traces the history of the
newspaper.

Brief History Informative look at the history of the newspaper dating back to early news from
59 B.C.

History of Newspapers Helpful article which provides a look at important events in the history
of newspapers.

Newspaper History Timeline Listing of important events in the history of the newspaper
industry dating back to the late 1600s.

First U.S. Newspapers

History of U.S. Newspapers Useful article with information on the early newspapers in the
United States.

Historical Newspapers Historic look at the history of newspapers in America from the late
1600s.

Historical U.S. Newspapers Online listing of resources and information on some historic
newspapers in the United States.

American Historical Newspapers Informative page from Cornell University which discusses and
lists some important newspaper resources.

Americas First Newspaper Helpful page which dates the beginnings of the first newspaper in
the United States.

First Newspapers Web page which discusses the first newspapers that were created in the
United States.

Printing Press

The Printing Press A look at the invention which helped change the newspaper industry.

History of Printing Historical perspective on how the printing press changed the way the world
communicated.

Printing Timeline Educational look at a timeline of various types of printing dating back several
thousand years B.C.

Journalism Timeline Useful page which covers many important moments in American
journalism due to the printing press.

Printing Yesterday and Today Informative site which discusses how newspapers were printed
in the past and today.

History of the Printing Press Helpful information on the invention of the printing press and its
developments in time.

The History of the Press Information on the invention and development of the printing press in
the printing industry.

Advancements in Newspaper Printing

Newspaper History Overview of the history of the newspaper industry.

History of Newspaper and Printing Information on the history and developments in printing of
newspapers.

Museum of Printing History Informative site which covers the history of the printing industry
in time.

History of Offset Printing Useful information on a common type of printing that was done in
the industry.

Web Offset Printing Educational look at offset printing using technology.

Newspaper Technology Helpful article which discusses many of the technological advances in
the newspaper industry.

Online and Future of Newspapers

Future of Newspapers Informative review about the bright future of the newspaper industry.

The Future of the Newspaper Forbes article outlining the future of the newspaper.

Newspaper Review Helpful page which covers the history of the newspaper as viewed from
the past.

Future of Newspapers Information on the future of newspapers through the use of

technology.

Digital Newspaper Program Useful source of information on digital newspapers of the past and
present.

Digital Future of Newspapers Web page which gives a look at how newspapers can utilize
digital technology.