Before the invention of printing machines, people spread news by word of mouth, written letters, or public notices. As more people learned to read and write, news reports gained added reliability. Ancient Rome had a particularly sophisticated system for circulating written news. Its publishing practices centered on acta diurna (daily events), handwritten news sheets posted by the government in the public marketplace from the year 59 bc to at least ad 222. Acta diurna announced news of politics, trials, scandals, military campaigns, and executions. In China, early government-produced news sheets, called tipao, circulated among court officials during the Han dynasty (202 bc-ad 220). At some point during the Tang dynasty (618-907), the Chinese used carved wooden blocks to print tipao, making them the first printed newspapers in history.

A printing press that employed movable type was developed in Europe in 1450, and European officials soon began using it to publish news (see Printing). Short pamphlets, called news books, informed the public of royal weddings, victorious battles, or other newsworthy events. News ballads recounted news events in verse form. News books and news ballads were circulated sporadically in Europe and the American colonies, usually when officials wanted to inform the public of important events

 

Courtesy: Microsoft Encarta 2005