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.
Poczytaj artykuł
w wydaniu polskim- 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
History of Comcast. How a Modest Cable Company Became a Media Giant
Małgorzata Dwornik
In 1963, it had only 1,200 customers and a dream. Six decades later, it became the world's third-largest media powerhouse. Ralph J. Roberts risked it all to bet on cable television. Did he know what he was doing? The history of Comcast shows that... he knew exactly what he was doing.
Hind Nawfal and Al Fatat. The First Women's Magazine in the Arab World
Małgorzata Dwornik
The Egyptian phenomenon, founded by the "mother of female journalists," lasted only two years in the market. However, in that short time, it accomplished so much for Arab women that it is still called a "revolutionary" today. The Arab "Girl" and its founder were the first significant female voices in this culture.
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.
See articles on a similar topic:
Haveeru Daily ހަވީރު. History of the Longest-Running Newspaper in Maldives
Małgorzata Dwornik
Since its inception, the newspaper has faced unexpected challenges. From having to print on manual presses, to legal battles over title rights, to occupation strikes at the publishing house, arrests of journalists, and even arson at its headquarters. In 2024, the editorial team (once again) won the right to publish the paper in court. Readers hope that this time, it’s here to stay.
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.
Playboy. The History of a Magazine Entertaining... Everyone
Małgorzata Dwornik
It was 1953 when young journalist Hugh Hefner took out a mortgage loan and convinced 45 shareholders to finance his idea for an erotic magazine named Stag Party. However, when STAG Publishing threatened to sue for trademark infringement, Hefner changed the name to PLAYBOY.
Die Burger. The History of the World’s Largest Afrikaans Newspaper
Małgorzata Dwornik
Founded in 1915 by Afrikaners from the Union of South Africa, this newspaper embodies colonial history in a nutshell. On one hand, it supported independence and a local language; on the other, it actively endorsed apartheid until its end. Polish connections and renowned internet brands from our country are also part of this story.
