Gutenberg's invention of the printing press in 1453 had a profound influence on spreading information and challenging authorities. One of the earliest newspapers was published in 1690 in colonial America but was banned after one issue for emphasizing "conflict" and "fear". The Boston News-Letter, published starting in 1704, was the first genuine American newspaper but had few subscribers because its content was cleared by the Governor and deemed uninteresting. The trial of John Peter Zenger in 1734 set an important precedent for press freedom in America by establishing that truth is a defense against charges of seditious libel.

1. History Part 1 COM 13500 Introduction to Journalism

2. Today’s Concepts Gutenberg’s Impact Early Newspapers What Makes a Newspaper Ben Franklin – Father of American Journalism John Peter Zenger and Seditious Libel Laws = Seeds of Press Freedom in Colonial America

3. “Journalism history is the story of man’s long struggle to communicate freely with his fellow men—to dig out and interpret news, and to offer intelligent opinion in the marketplace of ideas.” -Edwin Emery, The Press and America

4. Gutenberg 1453: Johannes Gutenberg invents the printing press Prints the Bible, which became known as “The Gutenberg Bible” Great influence on Western culture – seen as “dangerous” by authorities In 1671 Sir William Berkley wrote home to his government: "I thank God we have not free schools nor printing, and hope we shall not have for another hundred years. For learning has brought disobedience and heresy and sects into the world and printing has divulged them and libels against the Government. God keep us from both!"

5. Just for Fun…The Gutenberg Lego Printing Press! Found On: Printeresting.org

7. By Benjamin Harris

8. Banned after one issue

10. Printed in London;

11. Samuel Buckley – insistedthe paper include “news”, not just rumors – unprecedented at the time.

13. 1704

14. By John Campbell, a postmaster

15. First genuine American newspaper

16. All copy cleared through Governor, and because it was “libel-proof” – it wasn’t very interesting and had few subscribers (300 max)

18. “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” -Benjamin Franklin Often called the “Father of American Journalism”

19. Began rise to fame as printer-journalist in 1720’s Publisher of Pennsylvania Gazette Made it profitable by incorporating advertising He made journalism respectable by being interesting, truthful, and business-savvy. Attracted young, intelligent people to the industry “If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed.” Often called the “Father of American Journalism”

20. May 9, 1754 – Pennsylvania GazetteEarliest Known Political Cartoon Ben Franklin

21. John Peter Zenger Case 1734-35 Thrown in jail for “seditious libel laws” for writing disparaging remarks about New York Gov. William Cosby in the New York Weekly Journal Jailed for nine months

23. Thrilling trial, packed courtroom – showed public interest in political events of the day.

24. Famous lawyer, Andrew Hamilton delivers address to jury – it returns a “not guilty” verdict

25. Trial paved the way for liberty in America