History of Journalism

Create a 250 word entry on some aspect of the history of journalism. You can include images or video.

Possible topic:

Examine the changes being considered by the US senate to the journalist shield laws, the laws that allow journalist to protect their information sources.

See, for example:

http://www.emptywheel.net/2013/07/14/why-members-of-the-news-media-should-welcome-a-shield-for-the-act-of-journalism

 Essentially, the government is trying to control the news by defining who qualifies as a journalist. The effect of the changes is that only corporate media will be protected by shield laws.  Other journalist will not be able to assure their sources that their identities will be protected. 

from me: "A shield law for journalists might seem like a good idea, but it isn't - it's actually a terrible idea" http://t.co/IMYDsl5DCV

— Mathew Ingram (@mathewi) September 13, 2013

In 1765, the British government attempted to control the news by imposing the Stamp Act. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stamp_Act_1765 which stipulated that all "news" could only be published on paper that carried the government stamp. 

What parallels can be drawn?

Why “Members of the News Media” Should Welcome a Shield for the Act of Journalism - See more at: http://www.emptywheel.net/2013/07/14/why-members-of-the-news-media-should-welcome-a-shield-for-the-act-of-journalism/#sthash.qGClXFhp.dpuf

Why “Members of the News Media” Should Welcome a Shield for the Act of Journalism - See more at: http://www.emptywheel.net/2013/07/14/why-members-of-the-news-media-should-welcome-a-shield-for-the-act-of-journalism/#sthash.qGClXFhp.dpuf

Why “Members of the News Media” Should Welcome a Shield for the Act of Journalism - See more at: http://www.emptywheel.net/2013/07/14/why-members-of-the-news-media-should-welcome-a-shield-for-the-act-of-journalism/#sthash.qGClXFhp.dpuf