The document provides a history of media legislation in Britain and the United States from the 17th century to the early 20th century. It discusses the early licensing acts in Britain that required printing presses to be licensed. The licensing act expired in 1694. The 18th century saw growth of press freedom and the emergence of influential journalists. The 19th century witnessed the development of newspaper chains and daily newspapers appearing in cities outside London. In the US, the first newspaper was established in 1704. The late 19th century saw the rise of sensational "yellow journalism" under publishers like Pulitzer, and the emergence of tabloid newspapers and magazines in the early 20th century.