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Jan 1, 1440
Invention of the Printing Press
This event can stand as the starting point of the evolution of communications to modern day. Before this invention, the distribution of information through newsletters, pamphlets, memos, etc. was tedious and time-consuming. With the printing press, many copies could be made in a timely manner, making for easier distrubution throughout the public sphere. This led to the dissemination of knowledge taking place at a more widespread and faster pace with less effort. -
First Newspaper Published in the United States
Publick Occurences Both Forreign and Domestick; Boston, MA. First multi-page newspaper, printed by Richard Pierce and edited by Benjamin Harris. Was intended for monthly issues, but was shut down by the government after just the first publication. This event is significant not only because it was the first newspaper in the US, but it helped to shape and expand the public sphere by offering a platform to disseminate knowledge. -
Publick Occurences Continued...
The "Forreign and Domestick" being included in the title is of significant importance because it implies that the knowledge being shared through this media, or platform, will not just be from within the public sphere of Boston, or even the United States. This newspaper was intended to disseminate knowledge from various foreign countries to Boston to be shared within the public sphere. -
Bill of Rights Becomes Effective
The first 10 amendments become ratified on this date. The three key amendments in this course have been as follows: Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion, and Petition (1), Right of Search & Seizure (4), and Provisions Concerning Prosecution (5). These become key components in the media ecosphere and essentially creates regulations that the dissemination of knowledge within the public sphere must follow. For more information... -
Invention of the Telegraph
Samuel F. B. Morse successfully invents telegraphy. Messages consisting of specific dots and dashes (Morse code) could be sent over long distances, creating a new way to spread knowledge over a larger area; therefore, the telegraph allowed public spheres from various parts of the country to merge and share information and knowledge over this new platform for communication -
Invention of the Telephone
The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 in Boston, MA. While there is must confusion and unclarity surrounding who actually invented the telephone in entirety, Bell held the first patent in the United States; therefore, the telephone is widely credited to him, though many other are known to have influence on the technology of the device. This invention created a new platform for the sharing or disseminating of knowledge. -
Telephone continued...
Much like the telegraph, the telephone allowed various public spheres to merge and open up the media ecosphere to other cities, states, regions, etc. This platform has evolved from landlines to cellular devices to smart phones today, which are extremely high tech with internet, applications, photo sharing, social media connections, and more. The telephone was largely the beginning of even more widespread sharing of knowledge, even when it comes to modern day communications. -
Sinking of the RMS Titanic
The clutter on radiowaves may have contributed to tragedy; business and personal information was cancelling out and/or taking priority over iceberg warnings and SOS calls. Also, ships closest to the Titanic did not respond to SOS calls because they did not have an operator on duty. The clutter or chatter on the radiowaves blocked the sharing of vital and potentially life-saving information or knowledge. This is a good early example of the influence clutter on shaping the media ecosphere. -
Radio Act of 1912
Result of the tragedy of the Titanic. This law made it mandatory for emergency calls to have their own radio station free from personal matters, business matters, etc. that causes clutter. Also made it mandatory that every radio on a ship have an operator on duty at all times. This was an attempt to keep order and organization throughout the platform of radio. -
Public Broadcasting Act of 1967
This law basically set up a separate platform within various media solely for the purpose of public broadcasting. These types of radio stations allowed public information and knowledge to be broadcast throughout the public sphere outside of commercial radio stations. Furthermore, this act wasn't just for radio alone, but also included television stations for public broadcasting. While television isn't detailed in this timeline, the concept stays consistent with radio for clarity purposes. -
Public Broadcasting Act continued...
This type of act for separating public interest knowledge and commercial radio information was essential for the organization of media. This eliminates the clutter, the same clutter associated with the Titanic, within television and radio. By doing this, the public sphere is actually receiving the knowledge or information in a better way because the aspect of clutter or chatter have been completely removed from the public broadcasting stations.
