Believe it or not, newspaper still remain a favourite choice for masses to know what is happening in the world. Contrary to the popular belief that the newspapers are not that old, the first newspaper was published way back in 59 BC in Rome.
World’s first newspaper
Acta Diurna was the first newspaper of its kind to be published in 59 BC in Rome.
However, the first newspaper in the current form was printed in 1605 in Antwerp, Belgium. This weekly publication was published by Johann Carlous of the Relation aller Furnemmen und gedenckwurdigen Historien (Collection of all Distinguished and Commemorable News). The `Relation’ is recognized by the World Association of Newspapers, as well as many authors, as the world’s first newspaper. The German Relation was published in Strasbourg, which had the status of an imperial free city in the holy Roman empire of the German nation.
India’s first newspaper
India’s first newspaper was Hickey’s Bengal Gazette. It started in 1780 from Kolkatta and lasted for only two years. Founded by James Augustus Hicky, this newspaper featured articles criticizing activities of Lady Hastings, the wife of then Governor General William Hastings.
Hicky’s Bengal Gazette or the Calcutta General Advertiser was the first English-language newspaper, and indeed the first printed newspaper, to be published in the Indian sub-continent. The newspaper soon became very famous not only among the British soldiers posted in India at that time but also inspired the Indians to write newspapers of their own.
The paper ceased publication on March 23, 1782.
One of the oldest newspaper goes Digital
Llyod’s List, one of the oldest newspaper in the world has become digital after remaining in print for 279 years. Started in 1734, as a bulletin on ship arrivals, departures and causalities in London, it still continues to cover maritime news, insurance and energy.
Lyod’s list can read at here.