Evolution of News Media in Politics Over Time

Federalist Papers

Oct 27, 1787

The United States has begun. Newspapers written by Federalists.
Biased.

News Media in Politics Over Time

Period: Oct 27, 1787 to Nov 30, 2015

Telegraph

Jan 11, 1838

Reporters didn't need to report on scene anymore, could cover events and spread news through telegraph.

Associated Press

May 1, 1846

Created in New York, New York. Has delivered major news events such as assassination of Abraham Lincoln, bombing of Pearl Harbor, fall of shah in Iran, etc.
Nonprofit. Independent reporters. Less biased reporting = more newspapers sold. Separated news from opinion.

Rotary Press

Nov 30, 1847

Rapid publication now possible.

Color in Newspapers

Dec 22, 1855

First magazine to use it was "Illustrated London News".
Other newspapers followed.
Transormation from verbal medium to visual.

Newspaper Barons

Dec 31, 1899

Baron = person who holds property. Major business tycoons. Includes:
Editorializing: more biased reporting
Yellow journalism: anti-Asian reporting
Spanish American War: anti-Spanish reporting

Voice Radio

Feb 3, 1921

First used by President Roosevelt in his famous fireside chats.

Television

Sep 7, 1927

Invtented in 1920s but not widespread until 1950s. Emphasized visuals.
Example: Kennedy vs. Nixon debate. Those listening on the radio favored Nixon, but those watching it favored Kennedy because Nixon was sweating, older, and nervous, while Kennedy was calm and good looking.

Cable Television

Dec 3, 1948

Coverage 24/7 - used to be 11 minutes for national news a day.
Narrowcasting possible.
Talkshows - cheap and easy to produce.

Internet

Jan 1, 1983

Very first development.
More information available than ever before.

Memes

Oct 24, 2008

Barack Obama was first "meme president".
Reflects how public thinks of president.