The first newspapers appeared in the 16th centur y, but they were only simple sheets of paper containing commercial news. Later, gazettes appeared , with political content. They were controlled by the monarchs. In the 18th centur y, daily newspapers were created , distributed by town criers and sold on the street. The first newspaper of this type, The Daily Courant, was published in 1702. Many others followed , such as The Spectator (1711), Diario curioso, erudito y comercial (1758), (23) The Morning Post (1772), Le Journal de Paris (1777), El censor (1781), The Times (1785) and The Obser ver (1791). (24) The daily press played a decisive role in the Enlightenment as it ser ved to spread new ideas. It allowed people from dif ferent places to share and express opinions and news of all types. In part, the increase in literacy among the population , advocated by enlightened thinkers, favoured the circulation of newspapers. All of this changed reading habits and allowed public opinion to form. From the first daily newspapers to online press 22 Compare the press of the past and of today. What role did the press play in the 18th century? Is it the same role as today? Explain how the press contributed to spreading the new ideas of the Enlightenment. Does the press have as much power today to spread new ideas? Look at the photos. What were the newspapers like then? Are they similar to today's newspapers? 23 Find out whether the newspapers mentioned in the text still exist today. 24 UNDERSTAND OTHERS Do you think that in the 18th century the press was affordable for all people? Why do you think this? Do you read newspapers often? If you had lived in the 18th century, would you have read the press? Why or why not? What media do you use to find information about what is happening in the world? 25 DISCUSS. The press includes, excludes and prioritises events. Does that influence collective thinking? O T H E R P O I N T S O F V I E W The Diario curioso, erudito y comercial was Spain's first daily newspaper. Fernando VI granted it Royal Privilege. News and opinions were separated in the newspaper, and the content was quite varied: economic news, moral discourse, sales and rental announcements, job offers, etc. It was the first newspaper to publish letters from its readers. (23) 23. The first daily newspaper published in Spain 24. Press that appeared in the 18th century 30
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