20.03.2005 History of the media
Słowo Polskie. A Polish Daily with Over a Century of Tradition
Cezary Kaszewski
"Słowo Polskie" began its life in Lwów, with the first issue published on Christmas Eve, 1895. The newspaper quickly gained readership. By 1902, its circulation exceeded 10,000, and three years later, it reached 20,000, making it the first high-circulation daily in Galicia.
- Jan Kasprowicz in the literary section,
- Kornel Makuszyński in art and theater,
- Zygmunt Janiszewski—one of Poland’s first sports journalists,
supported by a group of more or less regular contributors, among them:
- Wł. S. Reymont,
- H. Sienkiewicz,
- K. Tetmajer,
- L. Staff,
- J. Żuławski,
- A. Grzymała-Siedlecki,
- G. Zapolska.
"Słowo" contributed to the rise of a Nobel Prize laureate! The newspaper began publishing "Chłopi" (The Peasants) in 1902, two years ahead of the novel`s first book release. The Lwów editors had a remarkable instinct, sensing the writer’s great talent, although no one at the time could have imagined that publishing the work "in parts" would launch its international success. Twenty-two years later, the writer received the Nobel Prize for "Chłopi" and ... 116,718 Swedish crowns. It was a tremendous honor and significant money—the crowns equaled over a quarter of a million pre-war Polish złoty. The first post-war issue of "Słowo Polskie" appeared in Lower Silesia on November 1, 1946. Previously, from August 27, 1945, the newspaper had been titled "Pionier" and was the first daily on the Western territories.
The decision to rename the paper "Słowo Polskie" was made by our readers. Years later, Michał Żywień, associated with our editorial team from the beginning, commented: "Before the war, there was a newspaper with that title in Lwów, and a large percentage of Wrocław’s residents were people from Lwów and nearby areas. But there was another reason—the Polish word echoed across the Western territories!"
Throughout its post-war history, many distinguished journalists have contributed to our editorial team. Wojciech Dzieduszycki collaborated with us as a columnist. Irena Dziedzic, not yet known to television audiences (the creator of "Tele-Echo," Poland’s first "talk show" and one of the most popular TV programs during the Polish People’s Republic), wrote for us. Czesław Nowicki, the popular TV personality known as "Wicherek," also published in "Słowo." Jerzy Janicki, a former Lwów resident and father of the radio "Matysiakowie" family as well as a prolific screenwriter, covered sports in "Pionier."
One of our most notable contributors was Wacław Drozdowski, a pre-war journalist with "IKC," who served as a long-time head of our city desk. He is remembered for an anecdote recorded in his "Notes of an Old Reporter": "I once noticed that Władysław Reymont always had the city newspaper `Kurier Warszawski` sticking out of his coat pocket—a paper known for its vast number of ads and obituaries. This took place in Poznań in 1922. I asked, `Do you always read the "Kurier"?` `You see,` the distinguished writer replied with a smile, `there’s nothing like habit—can you believe that I can’t fall asleep without a chamber pot and the "Kurier Warszawski" by my side?`
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section History of the media
Vanuatu Daily Post. 30 Years of Struggle (Including Fistfights) for Free Media
Małgorzata Dwornik
Ambition and hard work are not enough to keep a newspaper running. The most popular title in exotic Vanuatu today nearly shared the fate of its many forgotten predecessors. But fate had other plans - thanks to an unexpected reunion and... a phone book. What followed was even more interesting. And not always safe.
History of The Honolulu Advertiser. From Missionaries to a Merger with Rival
Małgorzata Dwornik
It was created to outdo unreliable competition. Early world news arrived via boat. It didn’t hire Mark Twain, but Jack London wrote for it. The story of Hawaii’s oldest newspaper spans 154 years of ups, downs, and radical changes in direction. In 2010, to survive a losing war of attrition with its biggest rival, it had to merge with it.
History of Television in Australia. It All Began with a Studio in a Windmill
Małgorzata Dwornik
Already in 1885, thanks to Telephane, an invention by Henry Sutton, it was possible to watch horse races for the Melbourne Cup. The first real television broadcasts, conducted from 1934 at the old windmill on Wickham Terrace in Brisbane, were watched by only 18 television owners, but by the following year, test transmissions had begun in other major cities.
See articles on a similar topic:
History of Folha de São Paulo. Brazilian Newspaper with a Guinness Record
Małgorzata Dwornik
The first issue was published on February 19, 1921, and the editorial team... quickly found itself at odds with Brazilian censorship. It was neither the first nor the last time. Over the years, the newspaper has faced countless clashes with the government, the military, and insurgent groups. The editorial office has suffered repression and acts of violence. However, its readers have always stood firmly by its side.
Radio Tirana. History of a Broadcasting Station Founded by Royal Decree
Małgorzata Dwornik
On November 28, 1938, King Zogu I and his wife, Queen Geraldine, officially inaugurated Albania's first radio station. Radio Tirana kept its origins a secret for decades. When it finally revealed its early history, the revelation surprised not only listeners but even its own staff.
Fredrik Carl Mülertz Størmer. Story of the First Paparazzo in the World
Małgorzata Dwornik
The combination of fascination and shyness gave birth to the profession of taking hidden photos, a practice now used by paparazzi. The pioneer of this was a Norwegian scientist, a brilliant mathematician, and astrophysicist who combined Nikola Tesla's techniques with military spy technology. He confessed to this only at age 70. Here is the story of Professor Fredrik Størmer, the world's first paparazzo.
POLITIKA. The History of Serbia's Oldest Daily Newspaper
Małgorzata Dwornik
In 1904, journalist Wladislaw F. Ribnikar founded Serbia's first independent newspaper. Opponents predicted a quick failure for *Politika*, the government viewed it with suspicion, but readers... were captivated by its new quality. Ribnikar laid the foundations for modern Serbian journalism, but his successors faced mixed fortunes.
