EOTO Reaction Post: The Rise of the Press Barons & Publick Occurrences

     While watching everyone's presentations I was thoroughly impressed and was excited to learn all these new ideas that pioneered journalism as we know it today. Two of the Each One Teach One presentations that I gained a sense of new knowledge from were Harry Oliver's presentation on the Rise of the Press Barons, as well as Marissa Janis's presentation on Publick Occurrences. These two presentations initially struck my interest because the history behind them is so specific and thought-provoking.

    The Rise of the Press Barons focused on three of the nation's largest print media organizations. The three are The New York Tribune, The New York Herald Tribune, and The New York Times. The New York Tribune was founded in the 1840s and was a supporter of the American Whig Party, a very popular political party at the time. In the 1920s the New York Tribune decided to merge with The New York Herald to expand their newspapers.

    The New York Herald Tribune was founded in 1924 and became a very popular newspaper among citizens of New York, especially when it merged with The New York Tribune. However, unfortunately, The New York Herald Tribune still supported slavery even after decades since it had been abolished and would use some of its funds to finance African expeditions. The New York Times was founded in 1851 by Henry Raymond and George Jones. At the time, this newspaper was only sold for 1 cent and would use some of its funds to endorse Republican candidates. 

    Publick Occurrences was the first newspaper that was printed and published in the colonies. The newspaper was first published in 1660 by Benjamin Harris. In Britain, there was a law that stated that no one could publish or print anything. This meant it was illegal to publish any print under British rule. Essentially this meant that there was absolutely no freedom of speech in Britain. Benjamin Harris opened a bookstore and writing shop where he would print his own writings. However, he was arrested in 1695 for doing so. It's hard to imagine a time when freedom of speech was illegal, but it's interesting to learn stories such as this one to be grateful for what people sacrificed to have laws that are put in place today.