1. Pre-Modern Journalism (Ancient Times - 17th Century):
* Early forms: News spread through word-of-mouth, letters, and official publications like gazettes.
* First newspapers: Rudimentary "newspapers" emerged in the 17th century, often called "corantos" or "news pamphlets," focusing on political news and social events.
2. The Age of Partisan Press (18th Century - Mid-19th Century):
* Political Alignment: Newspapers were heavily aligned with political parties, advocating their views and attacking their opponents.
* Rise of "Penny Press": This era saw the emergence of cheaper, more accessible newspapers aimed at a wider audience, often using sensationalism and crime reporting to attract readers.
3. The Rise of Objectivity (Mid-19th Century - Late 20th Century):
* Objectivity and Fact-Checking: The idea of journalistic objectivity gained traction, emphasizing factual reporting and separating opinions from news.
* Expansion of News Sources: News agencies, wire services, and technological advancements like the telegraph expanded the reach and speed of news dissemination.
* Development of Professional Standards: Journalism schools and professional organizations promoted ethical standards and journalistic practices.
4. The Digital Age (Late 20th Century - Present):
* Online Journalism: The internet revolutionized journalism, leading to online publications, blogs, and social media platforms as new sources of information and news.
* Citizen Journalism: Individuals with access to the internet can now act as journalists, sharing information and perspectives through blogs, social media, and citizen reporting platforms.
* Challenges of Fake News and Disinformation: The digital age also brought challenges like the spread of misinformation, the rise of fake news, and the need for media literacy to navigate the complex information landscape.
It's important to remember that:
* These stages are not entirely distinct, but rather evolving and overlapping.
* Journalism continues to evolve, adapting to new technologies and societal shifts.
* Different forms of journalism exist concurrently, from traditional print to digital and citizen journalism.
Understanding these stages can help us appreciate the evolution of journalism and the challenges and opportunities it faces in the 21st century.