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1440
Gutenberg's Printing Press
In 1440, Johannes Gutenberg invented the first printing press that was capable of producing books in higher numbers. Now people had more access to literature, more people learned how to read, and the people became more educated. -
1566
The First Newspapers
The first newspapers were found in Bejing, but they were truly popularized in Europe in the mid 16th century. Newspapers kept the people updated on current events, crime, and politics. -
Modern Advertisement
The first modern advertisements were found in London during the mid 19th century. Companies put ads in papers, hung posters, gave out pamphlets, and even painted murals on walls. Advertisement encouraged people to buy products as well engaged more people socially, which I believe to be a relevant part of media history. -
Radio Broadcasting
Radio was a commonplace item in the living room in the 1920's. News, shows, and music were commonly heard on nightly radio. Now people could here about events not just from the next town, but events from around the world. -
TV Broadcasting
TV came along in the 50's as the new living room radio. It created viewers instead of listeners, which expanded the audience and started the age of mass media. -
Commercial Internet
The internet was commercialized in the mid-90's. The development of e-mail and search engines connected people like never before. The media now had an expansive environment that would soon reach every people 10 or more times daily. -
Social Media
Social networking came unto the scene in the early 2000's as an internet campus hangout. Myspace, and Facebook were the first sites to create a virtual social gathering anytime you could access the internet. This meant an even bigger audience for mass media. -
iPhone
The integration of smart phones changed the world. At the touch of a button you could check your investments, watch a YouTube video, and read the latest headlines. At this point, every citizen with a smartphone could access the world from the palm of their hand.
