Journalism 2601: Week 2The Evolution of the Media and the Importance of Truth

The Evolution of the Media: Technology

Printing Press (1440)Typewriter (1860s)Telegraph (1837)Radio (1885)Television (1936)Digital (1960s-1990s)

Printing Press 1440 Johannes Gutenberg Effects

Mass production Widespread literacy News media Creative writing

Typewriter Efficient writing Expanded journalism as a profession Remington

Telegraph Samuel F. B. Morse Transcontinental messages Rapid transmission of news

Radio & TV Radio

Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla Brought entertainment and news to the home

Television 1936 Worlds Fair Visual news

Transition to Digital Instantaneous spread of information World both shrinks and grows

The Elements of Journalism Kovach and Rosenstiel “Journalism’s first obligation is to the

truth.” Why? What does that mean?

Journalists and Truth Telling“Watchdog”

journalismEdward R.

MurrowDavid Frost

Literary Journalism and the Truth• Imagine: How Creativity Works and Chronicles: Volume One• Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil• In Cold Blood

Discussion:What is the role of a journalist?What does the journalist owe to the public?What is the relationship between a journalist and the government?Why is truth necessary?