history of the media

Thai Rath. History of Thailand’s oldest newspaper

Małgorzata DwornikA newspaper once attacked with grenade launchers reached over a million copies in circulation. Its founder built schools and chartered planes to print boxing match photos faster than the competition. Thai Rath isn’t just a paper. It’s a media empire born... just in case.

History of Comcast. How a Modest Cable Company Became a Media Giant

Małgorzata DwornikIn 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 DwornikThe 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 DwornikAmbition 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 DwornikIt 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 DwornikAlready 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.

The History of Title Case. Where Did Capitalized Titles Come From?

Krzysztof FiedorekTitle Case, a style where most words in titles begin with a capital letter, has shaped the look of English publications for centuries. Its roots trace back to the 18th century when the rise of the printing press influenced how information was presented.

Le Nouvelliste. History of Haiti's Oldest Daily Newspaper

Małgorzata DwornikSurviving its first year only due to a wine and potato importer, it held a monopoly on news from France. It meticulously avoided blending news with commentary - until the U.S. occupation of Haiti in 1915. It was elevated to the top by a trio known as the “Holy Monsters.” Thus begins the story of the Haitian daily, Le Nouvelliste.

Haveeru Daily ހަވީރު. History of the Longest-Running Newspaper in Maldives

Małgorzata DwornikSince 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.

Kevin Carter. The Story of a Bang-Bang Club Photojournalist

Małgorzata DwornikHis photo from Sudan, "The Vulture and the Little Girl", became an iconic image. Earlier, risking the death penalty, he and his friends documented apartheid crimes in his native South Africa. Kevin Carter, a Pulitzer Prize winner and the creator of thousands of powerful images, struggled with the weight of what he witnessed through his camera.

History of WSB Radio. The Listener Has No Radio Receiver? No Problem!

Małgorzata DwornikThe first transmitter had only 100 watts of power, and ice was used to cool the batteries. On March 15, 1922, the first radio station in Georgia began broadcasting. The station was assigned the call letters WSB, which the founders transformed into the motto: Welcome South, Brother! This marked the start of one of the most important radio stations in the USA.

Atuagagdliutit Grønlandsposten. The History of Greenlandic News

Małgorzata DwornikThe first issue, published in 1861, had eight pages, an unusual column numbering system, and a print run of 300 copies. At the time, it was one of the few illustrated newspapers in the world and the first to print in color. Its purpose was to encourage Greenlanders to read - a mission it has continued for 163 years. Today, its motto is: "A week without AG is not a real week."

Fredrik Carl Mülertz Størmer. Story of the First Paparazzo in the World

Małgorzata DwornikThe 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.

Die Burger. The History of the World’s Largest Afrikaans Newspaper

Małgorzata DwornikFounded 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.

John Peter Zenger. The Story of the First Fighter for Freedom of Speech

Małgorzata DwornikAs early as 1725, he printed the "New York Gazette," the first newspaper in New York. He published "The New York Weekly Journal," the first independent title free from government control. He became the world’s first journalist jailed for criticizing a politician in a newspaper.

Lietuvos Aidas. Lithuanian Newspaper That Was Born Three Times

Małgorzata DwornikIn Lithuania, Lietuvos Aidas is sometimes called "The School of the Nation." This newspaper laid the foundation for free Lithuanian journalism and greatly contributed to the restoration of statehood. It appeared in 1918, disappearing from the market for years at a time, only to return and shape the direction of Lithuanian journalism.

Weekly News Of The World. History of Success and Downfall

Małgorzata DwornikThe publication appeared on the market in 1843 and quickly gained popularity. In the 1930s, Winston Churchill contributed to its pages. Two decades later, it set a world record with 8.6 million copies, thriving on sensationalism and scandal. Crossing boundaries ultimately sealed the fate of News of The World. It disappeared in 2011 due to a massive phone-hacking scandal.

Il Foglio. History of Italian Daily Whose Founder Hid Behind an Elephant

Małgorzata DwornikThe first issues lacked photos but featured drawings and caricatures. Editorial articles appeared only on the third page, and all texts except columns were anonymous. This was how the first issue of the new daily newspaper, published in Milan in 1996, looked. A newspaper that, uniquely in Italy today, does not incur losses.

MONCAME. The news agency from Mongolia transmitted in Morse code

Małgorzata DwornikThe first telegraphic dispatch from March 18, 1921, was published only by the Soviet Pravda. The first country to recognize it as an official source of information was South Africa in 1922. The hallmark of the Mongolian news agency MONTA, now MONCAME, was transmitting dispatches in Morse code.

Kazakhstanskaya Pravda. Newspaper with Its Own Flag on Antarctica

Małgorzata DwornikOn January 1, 1920, the first issue of the weekly "News from the Kyrgyz Region" was published. A year later, it was renamed "Steppe Truth," eventually becoming the daily "Soviet Steppe." Since January 1932, Kazakhstan's most popular title has been known as Казахстанская правда (Kazakhstanskaya Pravda). For over a century, it has alternately supported the authorities, scrutinized them, and sometimes faced the consequences... of telling the truth.

POLITIKA. The History of Serbia's Oldest Daily Newspaper

Małgorzata DwornikIn 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.

La Stampa. The History of the Oldest Newspaper in Italy

Małgorzata DwornikIt was founded in Turin as Gazzetta Piemontese. Over more than 150 years, it built its position as an iconic title not only in the Italian press market. It survived attacks from fascists, terrorists, and even Muammar Gaddafi. Even in the era of the internet, it continues to perform exceptionally well.

Journal de Monaco. The History of the Weekly That "Brings Monaco Closer"

Małgorzata DwornikIn 1858, Carles de Lorbac established the weekly L’Eden to raise awareness of Monaco's issues, which a year later was renamedJournal de Monaco. Starting as a cultural weekly, it has undergone several changes but continues to be valued by the residents of this small country.

The Kathmandu Post. History of Nepal's First Independent Daily Newspaper

Małgorzata DwornikThe first issue of The Kathmandu Post was published on Thursday, February 17, 1993. It had eight pages and aimed to fight injustice. Within a week, it became the most-read publication in the country, though not everyone welcomed its success.

Reporters Without Borders. The History of Reporters Sans Frontières

Małgorzata DwornikIn June 1985, in Montpellier, France, four journalists inspired by the work of Médecins Sans Frontières decided to create a similar organization in the media world. Today, RSF has 134 correspondents worldwide, with many successes... and controversies.

Radio Tirana. History of a Broadcasting Station Founded by Royal Decree

Małgorzata DwornikOn 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.

Barbara Walters. The Queen of Impossible Interviews from ABC Television

Małgorzata DwornikBarbara Walters began her media career in 1951 with advertising and producing a children's program. In the 1960s, she shattered the glass ceiling. Her interviews on NBC brought her to the height of popularity, but it was her programs on ABC that earned her the title of the queen of television.

Ràdio Andorra. The Legend of the Station That Greeted in Three Languages

Małgorzata DwornikFrom its inception, the station broadcasting from the tiny Principality of Andorra in the Pyrenees was a thorn in the side - first to the Germans, then the French, and the Spanish. The conflict over Ràdio Andorra even led to the border being closed to... sheep. After four decades of struggle, the station, known across Europe and the USA, fell silent. But was it forever?

Mada Masr. History of Egyptian Online Newspaper That Started on a Beach

Małgorzata DwornikOn June 17, 2013, at the first editorial meeting, everyone sat on the floor. There were no chairs. There were no desks or money either. But there was passion, 17 ready articles, and a nameplate on the door: Office of the Artists Formerly Known as “Egypt Independent.”

Christiane Amanpour. A Fighter for Freedom of Speech at CNN

Małgorzata DwornikHer reports from war fronts and social documentaries brought her recognition. Her uncompromising interviews with the most influential figures in global politics earned her fame and respect. Christiane Amanpour is a living legend of the media and an advocate for women's, children's, and minority rights. Get to know her better.

History of Folha de São Paulo. Brazilian Newspaper with a Guinness Record

Małgorzata DwornikThe 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.

History of De Standaard. A Flemish Newspaper with a Turbulent Past

Małgorzata DwornikThe first issue was supposed to reach readers on November 25, 1914. However, the outbreak of World War I disrupted these plans. The newspaper finally debuted on December 4, 1918. It survived another war, a publication ban, bankruptcy, and the digital revolution. More than a century later, it remains strong.

Tibetan Review. The Story of a Media Warrior for Tibetan Freedom

Małgorzata DwornikIn 2023, it will celebrate its 55th birthday. The small editorial team is an important part of Tibetan democracy in exile. And thanks to its permanent move from print to the internet, Tibetan Review now brings news about Tibet to the farthest corners of the world.

The History of MEDUZA. Russian Independent Pirate Media Ship

Małgorzata DwornikThe project was created for one purpose: to reclaim media stolen by the state. That’s how the founders described this independent Russian news portal based in Latvia. They are a thorn in the Kremlin’s side - so much so that Russian authorities labeled the site a public enemy and put it on the list of foreign agents.

Larry King. One Man, 50 Thousands Interviews

Małgorzata DwornikIn 1955, twenty-two-year-old Leibel Zeiger knocked on the door of a new radio station, WAHR, in Florida. He passed a voice test and was hired… to mop floors. Two years later, he was sitting in front of the microphone himself. The station owner gave him one condition: change his name to something more "radio-friendly." Thus, Larry King was born.

Playboy. The History of a Magazine Entertaining... Everyone

Małgorzata DwornikIt 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.

The Kyiv Independent. A Ukrainian Outlet Born from Conflict

Małgorzata DwornikOn November 12, 2021, journalists dismissed from the Kyiv Post launched a Twitter account and the @savekyivpost campaign to defend their rights. Ten days later, a new English-language online publication appeared in Ukraine: The Kyiv Independent. It became a valuable source of information about the war in Ukraine and is funded through crowdfunding.

The History of TOLOnews. Free Media Pioneers from Afghanistan

Małgorzata DwornikFor the first 10 years of its existence, TOLOnews journalists seemed to have clashed with nearly every prominent figure in the country. In 2016, they received France’s Freedom of Information Award. And all this in a country considered the most dangerous place for journalists. After the Taliban returned to power - even more so.

The History of Forbes Magazine. Business Should Give Joy, Not Millions

Małgorzata DwornikBusiness is meant to create happiness, not to accumulate millions. This was the motto of Bertie Charles Forbes and Walter Dray. The magazine they launched in September 1917 was considered sheer madness by many at the time. Time proved that this madness paid off - immensely. For 105 years and counting.

History of La Repubblica. How an Italian Newspaper Became a Fortress

Małgorzata DwornikWhen Eugenio Scalfari handed the first issue to readers in 1976, he dreamed that La Repubblica would become Italy’s second most-read newspaper - independent and fighting manipulation. He reached that goal in nine years. A year later, La Repubblica was the biggest paper in the country. Only the internet changed that.

History of MTV. A Music Channel Where Music Once Disappeared

Małgorzata DwornikOn August 1, 1981, at exactly 12:01 p.m. Eastern Time (USA and Canada), a new cable television channel launched: Music Television. John Lack welcomed MTV’s first viewers with the words: Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll! The first music video aired was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles.

Nexta, or Someone. History of an opposition title from Belarus

Małgorzata DwornikThe very first rebellious post on the music channel Nexta, run by a seventeen-year-old, did not escape the attention of the Belarusian KGB. The next ones - describing events uncomfortable for the authorities - led to open conflict. Stsiapan Putsila and his Nexta became a target of the Minsk regime. And they have no intention of backing down.

Bravo. History of a sixty-year-old magazine for the youth

Małgorzata DwornikThe idea of creating a newspaper for the "crazy kids" of the 1950s and 60s turned out to be a bullseye. Music and film stars, important topics and taboo-breaking pieces that flirted with scandal - that was the recipe for success. Circulations in the millions are now a thing of the past, but BRAVO still manages to reach teenagers. It’s building its presence on social media.

History of Die Welt. A newspaper with a dream of German unity

Małgorzata DwornikOn April 2, 1946, in Hamburg - or rather, among its ruins - the first German newspaper under the patronage of the British military authorities appeared. For years, the Die Welt editorial team proved that a strong, nationwide paper could be published outside the capital. When they finally relocated there, they blazed new trails - this time in the digital world.

History of Public Relations. From Ancient Times to a Field of Study

Małgorzata DwornikPublic Relations - two words we come across several times daily. We hear them on TV and radio, and read them in newspapers. PR - two letters that can sometimes cause quite a stir.

The Fourth Estate in America: I Write, Therefore I Am...

Urszula SienkiewiczThe press in the United States, extensively discussed before, has another intriguing niche that cannot be overlooked when talking about American media. Magazines: weekly and monthly publications for enthusiasts.

The Fourth Estate in America: Sex and Violence

Urszula SienkiewiczThe media in the United States include many "business sharks" who prioritize their own interests and corporate profits over the public good. The average American spends 8 hours a day on mass media - 4 hours on television, 3 on radio, half an hour on recreational music, and the remaining minutes on reading.

The Fourth Estate in America: The Irresistible Charm of the Glass Screen

Urszula SienkiewiczWhile war raged in Europe, a new craze took hold in the United States. In just a few years, a new idol took the prime spot in American homes - the television.

The Fourth Estate in America: The Elder Sister of Television

Urszula SienkiewiczThe early 1920s brought Americans a new, inspiring source of information - radio. Almost every household, in both big cities and suburbs, welcomed the magical wooden box that provided entertainment like never before.

The Fourth Estate in America: Pioneers of Free Speech - the Press

Urszula SienkiewiczIn 1990, the press in the United States celebrated its 300th anniversary. Despite an unsuccessful attempt to influence colonial authorities in 1690 and the immediate shutdown of the journal "The Publick Occurrences: Both Foreign and Domestick," American advocates for free speech continued to seek ways to criticize British rule.

The Fourth Estate in America

Urszula SienkiewiczSuccess, prestige, power, but above all, big money - these are the first words associated with the world of media in the United States. Do American media truly wield such influence over business and politics in the USA that they can be called the "fourth estate" without hesitation?

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.

Control is Better

Ignacio RamonetThe noblest duty of media professionals is to expose cases of law violations. For fulfilling this duty, they have often had to pay a high price. However, for a long time, citizens - at least in democratic societies - could rely on the press and other media in their fight against abuses of power.

The History of Radio Broadcasting

Agnieszka OsińskaRadio emerged almost simultaneously with film at the dawn of the 20th century, as the growth of the press pushed culture past the so-called second threshold of mass distribution. Alexander Popov and Guglielmo Marconi are considered its pioneers, though only Marconi succeeded in patenting the invention.

The Beginnings and Development of Press Studies

Agnieszka OsińskaIn the 17th century, with the emergence of periodical printing, the press became a subject of analysis as a new form of disseminating human thought and social influence. In 1901, Gabriel Tarde, in his study "L'Opinion et la foule," distinguished between a crowd and an audience.

The Press in Historical Perspective

Agnieszka OsińskaResearchers trace the prehistory of modern press back to ancient times when primitive forms of mass communication began to emerge.

The History of Press Photography

Bartłomiej DwornikThe birth of photography is dated to 1839, when French painter Louis Daguerre announced the principles of daguerreotype (an image projected through a lens onto a silver-plated copper sheet, developed with mercury vapor, and fixed with sodium thiosulfate).

The Beginnings of Periodical Publishing in Poland

Bartłomiej DwornikThe first printed works - non-periodical "flyer newspapers" - appeared in Poland in the early 16th century. They were published only for significant occasions to describe these events, sometimes even in verse.

The History of Television

BARDIn 1875, Ernest von Siemens constructed the first photocell. Two years later, Julian Ochorowicz, a Polish psychologist, developed the theoretical foundations of monochromatic television. In 1924, Scotsman John Baird transmitted an image over a distance. In Poland, we waited until 1952 for the first broadcast.