Print analysis

            The classroom’s assigned chapter discusses newspapers. Newspapers were the first mass medium to deliver news. America’s first newspaper was published in 1690. The title of the first newspaper is Publick Occurrences. Newspapers were the only mass medium available until 1920 when the radio was introduced to America. There was no competition for newspapers until early 20^th century. The introduction of broadcasting made it easier and quicker for people to retrieve information.

            The newspaper was first used as the voice of the British government. Everything in that was to appear in newspapers was to be approved by the British government. Newspapers printed “Published by Authority” to let the readers know that the newspaper was approved by the government. The newspaper Publick Occurrences was published in Boston, Massachusetts it was the only issue printed. The newspaper upset local authorities and was not printed anymore. The nation’s first consecutively published newspaper was The Boston News-Letter. It was published in 1704.

            In the 19^th century technology advanced and the print industry capitalized on it. Things such as cheaper newspaper, mechanized printing, and telegraphing helped newspapers reach audiences faster. New developments came about because of these new advances. These developments include frontier journalism, ethnic and cultural newspapers, and the alternative press.

            Newspapers were looking for bigger audiences and more profit, so they developed the penny press. The penny press was newspapers sold every day for a penny. Before this newspapers were sold in a yearly advance for $6 to $10. The first penny paper was four pages long and included local gossip and police news. A group known as the newsboys would buy one hundred papers for 67 cents and try to sale them all for a penny a piece to make a profit.

            Future financial success of newspapers depends on their ability to appeal to a shifting audience and meet growing competition. Young readers and women have declined in the newspaper industry. Newspapers are using new features and special sections used for teenagers and women to help stop the slide in readership. To survive newspapers must keep the public informed and stay profitable.