History of Mass Media

  • 59 BCE

    Newspapers

    Newspapers began in ancient Rome and evolved through medieval manuscripts. The 19th century saw innovations like the penny press that made newspapers more accessible. Today, newspapers have moved online but face challenges from digital media.
  • Telegraph

    The telegraph, developed in the 1830s and 1840s, allowed messages to be sent quickly over long distances. This innovation changed how news was shared, making it faster and more efficient. The telegraph paved the way for future communication technologies.
  • Radio

    Radio began in the early 1900s with pioneers like Marconi. By the 1920s, commercial radio stations, such as KDKA, were broadcasting regularly. Radio's popularity grew in the 1930s and 1940s, but television later became more dominant.
  • Television

    Television started in the 1920s and 1930s with early inventors like Philo Farnsworth. After World War II, TV became popular with color broadcasts and major networks. Today, digital and streaming services have changed how we watch TV.
  • Internet

    The internet changed mass media by moving from simple text to videos and interactive content. In the 2000s, social media and user-generated sites became popular, altering how people share and consume information. Today, mobile devices and streaming services are central to media consumption.
  • Social Media

    Social media started in the 1990s with early sites for sharing messages and connecting. In the 2000s, platforms like Facebook and Twitter became popular for networking and sharing content. Today, apps like Instagram and TikTok continue to influence how we communicate and interact online.
  • Streaming Services

    Streaming services started in the 1990s with basic audio and video streaming. In the 2000s, Netflix and Spotify changed the game with subscription-based access to movies and music. Now, streaming services are a major part of entertainment, offering a wide range of content and competing for viewers.