VOL. XVII, NO. 11
APRIL 19, 1976
Since 1690
Press Affects Heritage
Press Affects Heritage
By SUE GIBSON
With the dawn of the United States two hundredth birthday we look back on events that have helped to make this nation what it is today. The press has played a major part in the heritage of our country.
It all began on September 25, 1690, in Boston; the first copy of a newspaper in the American Colonies was printed. It was a seven and one-fourth by eleven and one-half-inch, four-page journal with one blank page on which readers could fill in their own news. The paper was fairly sensational for its day - with reports of smallpox and fever, a suicide, Indian raids, and a scandalous story about the King of France.
That first issue of printer Benjamin Harris intended monthly, Publick Occurrences, Both Forreign and Domestick, was also the last. Because Harris had not obtained the license required by law, publication was halted four days after the paper appeared.
With the dawn of the United States two hundredth birthday we look back on events that have helped to make this nation what it is today. The press has played a major part in the heritage of our country.
It all began on September 25, 1690, in Boston; the first copy of a newspaper in the American Colonies was printed. It was a seven and one-fourth by eleven and one-half-inch, four-page journal with one blank page on which readers could fill in their own news. The paper was fairly sensational for its day - with reports of smallpox and fever, a suicide, Indian raids, and a scandalous story about the King of France.
That first issue of printer Benjamin Harris intended monthly, Publick Occurrences, Both Forreign and Domestick, was also the last. Because Harris had not obtained the license required by law, publication was halted four days after the paper appeared.
The press in the United States has followed a smoother path since 1690. Relations between the press and the government have not always been cordial, for the press has traditionally tended to be its determined - but loyal adversary.
Since 1791 the first amendment to the Constitution has guaranteed freedom of the written word from punitive action by the federal government, a guarantee that has been tested and consistently upheld through the years.
The power of the press has not always been used for noble purposes. From the very beginning there have been examples of sensationalism, gross inaccuracy, and occasionally, slander. But, for the most part, the story is one of responsibility; for the press, whether in its staid journals, glossy ladies' magazines, or television documentaries, has on the whole dealt responsibly with the freedom guaranteed it by the Constitution and has fulfilled its primary duty: to inform the public of the truth.
Since 1791 the first amendment to the Constitution has guaranteed freedom of the written word from punitive action by the federal government, a guarantee that has been tested and consistently upheld through the years.
The power of the press has not always been used for noble purposes. From the very beginning there have been examples of sensationalism, gross inaccuracy, and occasionally, slander. But, for the most part, the story is one of responsibility; for the press, whether in its staid journals, glossy ladies' magazines, or television documentaries, has on the whole dealt responsibly with the freedom guaranteed it by the Constitution and has fulfilled its primary duty: to inform the public of the truth.