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First English Newspapers
1. The first regular newspaper in England – that is, one periodically published – was started in 1622. It was called the Weekly News. Averaging twenty-two pages, this and others like it, were appropriately called news-books. Besides foreign news, which was copied from similar publications in France and Holland, they contained local information: accounts of murders, accidents, witch burnings, monsters and miracles. It wouldn't be wrong to assume that in those days the investigation of news at the source and the checking of facts must have never been part of the news-gathering procedure.
2. It was almost immediately seen by the authorities that political news was a power that could agitate the people or pacify them. So early in the 16th century press censorship was introduced in England. It was a well-exercised part of the crown's prerogative: the activities of the newspapermen were checked and the press was severely restricted.
3. In the 17th century the only periodical of any account was the London Gazette, a bi-weekly court paper. It was started as the Oxford Gazette in 1665 when the court had to move to Oxford on account of London plague, The London Gazette has come down to the present time. It carries official announcements such as acts of Parliament, promotions and appointments, etc. Most other papers of the 17th century were ruthlessly put down.
4. After the so-called Glorious Revolution of 1688 the press censorship was relaxed, being finally abandoned in 1693, and a number of newspapers came into being. In 1702 appeared the Daily Courant, the first English daily, a single-sheet, two-column small paper, printed on one side only. It must have quickly gained popularity, for soon it had to add another page, and, along with foreign news, it began to publish local information and advertisements.
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The first English regular newspaper, averaging twenty-two pages and containing both foreign and local information on murders, accidents, monsters and miracles, appeared early in the 17th century.
In the 17th century the only periodical was the London Gazette but after the so-called Glorious Revolution of 1688 the press censorship was finally abandoned, and a number of newspapers came into being.
The authorities soon understood that political news was a power that could influence the people’s minds, so they introduced press censorship early in the 16th century to control publishers.
The first English regular newspapers, some of which are still published, appeared early in the 17th century, containing both foreign and local news which was a subject of press censorship till 1693.