Enduring Newspapers: The World’s Oldest Newspapers Still Thriving in Print
The World’s Oldest Newspapers Still Thriving in Print
You’ve probably read a newspaper or two in your time. But have you ever wondered how long newspapers have been around? We’re not just talking a decade or two here – some newspapers still in publication today have hundreds of years of history behind them. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour through time to visit the oldest newspapers that somehow continue printing to this day. From Post och Inrikes Tidningar, founded in 1645, to Lloyd’s List, first published in 1734, we’ll chronicle the incredible journeys of these institutions of ink and paper. You’ll learn some wild stories from centuries past and gain new appreciation for news sources that have stood the test of time, all while exploring what daily life looked like for readers when these papers first hit the presses. So brew a cup of coffee, cozy into your favorite chair, and join us on an epic quest through the annals of news media to discover 10 pillars of journalism that just won’t quit.
Chronicling History: An Overview of the World’s Oldest Newspapers
Newspapers have been around for centuries, spreading news and information around the world since the early 17th century. Some of the oldest newspapers still in publication provide a glimpse into the history of journalism and a window into the events and culture of the past.
Quick Look at Timeless Publications
The world changes, so change things. In a world that’s constantly changing, some things manage to stand the test of time. Let’s take a stroll through history and explore the world’s oldest newspapers that have not only survived but are still delivering the news today.
The World’s Longest-Running Publications
- Founded: 1645
- Current Name: Internet-only since January 1st, 2007
- Additional Information: A government newspaper and gazette of Sweden, it transitioned to an online-only format in 2007.
- Founded: 1656
- Current Name: Haarlems Dagblad
- Additional Information: Originally known as Opregte Haarlemsche Courant, it is now published as Haarlems Dagblad.
- Founded: 1661
- Current Name: Gazeta, Gaceta de Madrid, and others
- Additional Information: The official gazette of the Government of Spain, known by various names over the years.
- Founded: 1664
- Current Name: – Still published under the same name.
- Additional Information: One of Italy’s historic newspapers, first published in 1664.
- Founded: 1665
- Current Name: Official journal of the British Government
- Additional Information: Started as The Oxford Gazette, it is the official journal of the UK government.
- Founded: 1703
- Current Name: Wiennerisches Diarium
- Additional Information: Founded in 1703, it has been a prominent newspaper in Austria.
- Hildesheimer Allgemeine Zeitung (Germany):
- Founded: 1705
- Current Name: – Hildesheimer Allgemeine Zeitung (HAZ)
- Additional Information: Originating in 1705, it has served as a significant newspaper in Germany.
- Founded: 1737
- Current Name: The News Letter
- Additional Information: The oldest English-language daily newspaper still in publication, with historical significance.
- L’Express (Switzerland):
- Founded: 1738
- Current Name: -Merged in 2018 with L’Impartial (“The Impartial”)
- Additional Information: A French-language daily newspaper published in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
- Founded: 1747
- Current Name: The Press and Journal
- Additional Information: A Scottish daily regional newspaper, now known as The Press and Journal.
- Berlingske (Denmark):
- Founded: 1749
- Current Name: Berlingske Tidende
- Additional Information: The Danish national daily newspaper, recognized for winning the World Press Photo award multiple times .
Established Oldest Newspapers in The World
Post-och Inrikes Tidningar (PoIT):
Established in 1645, Post-och Inrikes Tidningar (PoIT) is not just a newspaper, but a testament to the enduring power of the written word. Holding the title of the world’s oldest continuously published newspaper, it has witnessed the ebb and flow of history, chronicling Sweden’s journey from its early days to the modern era.
Initially known as Ordinari Post Tijdender, it served as a conduit for news and information in an era where communication was slow and limited. Over the centuries, it evolved from a weekly publication to a daily newspaper, adapting to changing times and technologies.
Today, PoIT exists primarily as an online platform, offering news, legal notices, and other official announcements. Its digital archive provides a treasure trove of historical information, allowing readers to explore the past and trace the evolution of Swedish society.
While it may have shed its daily print edition, the spirit of PoIT lives on. It remains a vital source of information and a symbol of Sweden’s rich journalistic heritage.
Here are some additional facts about PoIT:
- It was founded by Queen Christina of Sweden and her advisor Axel Oxenstierna.
- It was originally a weekly publication, but became a daily newspaper in 1837.
- It was the official gazette of the Swedish government until 2007.
The Wiener Zeitung:
The Wiener Zeitung, published in Vienna, Austria, is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the world. First published on August 8, 1703, it chronicled some of the most significant events in European history over the past three centuries. While it ended its daily print edition on June 30, 2023, it continues to operate online and plans to have a monthly print edition in the future.
No doubt, in July 2023, the daily print edition closed its final chapter, yet the song of the Wiener Zeitung continues. Its spirit resonates in the vibrant online platform, where news unfolds in real-time and thoughtful articles unravel the complexities of the world. A planned monthly print edition ensures that the tactile joy of turning its pages and inhaling the scent of fresh ink is not entirely relinquished.
The Hartford Courant
The Hartford Courant, Since 1764, has proudly served as a cornerstone of journalism in the United States, holding the distinguished title of being the oldest continuously published newspaper in the country. Founded by printer Thomas Green as a weekly paper named The Connecticut Courant, it transitioned to a daily in 1837 and eventually adopted its current name in 1887. It is believed that this historic paper has covered major events in American history, including the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.
Mumbai Samachar
The Bombay Samachar, also known as Mumbai Samachar, is a Gujarati-language daily founded in 1822. It is one of the oldest newspapers still published in Asia. Based in Mumbai, India, the Gujarati-language Bombay Samachar is an important publication for news and events concerning the Gujarati-speaking population of western India. It was founded by Fardoonji Murazban, a Parsi scholar and priest, who also established the first native press and the first Gujarati calendar in India. Currently it is owned and run by the Cama family, who took over the paper in 1933 to save it from bankruptcy. The newspaper is headquartered in a red brick building at Horniman Circle in Mumbai, which also houses an archive of papers dating back to 1873 and 1878.
Since, this historic newspaper provides a glimpse into the growth of journalism and news media in India over the past two centuries , it is, therefore, heartily respected for its fair, frank, objective, and critical analysis of events, and has played an unbelievable role during India’s freedom struggle, being often quoted by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Vallabhbhai Patel.
Newspapers like these represent the enduring importance of journalism and print media over vast periods of history. Though many of the oldest papers have adapted to include online and digital formats, they continue to chronicle events and capture the spirit of the times in which they are published. These papers provide an invaluable window into the history of the regions and cultures they serve.
Oldest Newspapers in America
The Americas are home to some of the oldest newspapers still in publication today. Dating back to the 1700s, these chronicles of history have been providing news and connecting communities for centuries.
- The Hartford Courant: Founded in 1764 as The Connecticut Courant, it transitioned to daily publication in 1837 and changed its name to The Hartford Courant in 1887. It maintains continuous publication and is widely recognized as the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States. As a testament to its journalistic excellence, The Hartford Courant has received multiple Pulitzer Prizes. Today, it remains a historic institution, deeply embedded in Connecticut’s media landscape and contributing to the region’s rich journalistic heritage.
- The Philadelphia Inquirer: The Philadelphia Inquirer is now popularly referred to as The Inquirer It is a daily newspaper headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded on June 1, 1829, The Philadelphia Inquirer is the third-longest continuously operating daily newspaper in the USA.
- Cincinnati Enquirer: Founded in 1841, it is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper west of the Mississippi River. It is known for its investigative journalism and has won numerous awards.The Enquirer won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for local reporting for its project titled “Seven Days of Heroin”
- The Boston Globe: Founded in 1872, it is one of the most influential newspapers in Boston, Massachusetts. It has won 27 Pulitzer Prizes, the second-highest number of any newspaper in the United States.
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Founded in 1878, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is a major regional newspaper based in St. Louis, Missouri, serving the St. Louis metropolitan area. It is a Pulitzer Prize-winning paper known for its in-depth reporting and investigative journalism. It still enjoys strong readership in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
- The New York Times: Founded in 1851, it is one of the world’s most prestigious newspapers. It is known for its international coverage and has won 132 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any newspaper in the world.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other continuously published newspapers across the world, each with its own unique history and contributions to journalism.These historic newspapers of the Americas provide an insightful glimpse into the events and issues of the day spanning centuries. Though times change, these chronicles of history remain to inform new generations.
Asia’s Oldest Newspapers in Asia
Asia is home to some of the oldest newspapers still in print today. Dating back hundreds of years, these publications have documented some of the most significant events in history.
The ‘Korea Times’ is South Korea’s oldest and largest English daily, founded in 1950. It has provided news coverage of events like the Korean War and transformation into a democracy.
‘The Japan Times’ is Japan’s oldest and largest English-language daily paper, dating back to 1897. It reported news of the Russo-Japanese War, World Wars 1 and 2, the Tokyo Olympics and technological innovations.
‘The Straits Times’ of Singapore is Southeast Asia’s best-selling English-language daily, first published in 1845. It chronicled Singapore’s transformation from a British colony to an independent nation, events of World War 2 and growth into a global financial hub.
‘The Times of India’ is the world’s largest selling English-language daily, founded in 1838. It documented India’s independence movement, partition, and evolution into the world’s largest democracy. It now has over 11 million readers across India and the globe.
‘The Philippine Daily Inquirer’ is the Philippines’ most popular broadsheet newspaper, first published in 1985. It played a vital role in the People Power Revolution that ousted President Marcos, ending his authoritarian regime. It continues to publish news on politics, business, sports, technology, lifestyle and entertainment in the Philippines.
The longevity and influence of these newspapers highlight the enduring power of print journalism. They have shaped public opinion and recorded the events that shaped Asia, one daily edition at a time. Though new media now competes for attention, these publications endure, continuing to inform new generations of readers. Their pages chronicle not just the history of their nations but the history of journalism itself.
Preserving the Past: How the World’s Oldest Newspapers Have Endured
The oldest newspapers still in publication today are living history, documenting events for centuries and preserving a record of how the world has changed. How have some of the oldest newspapers endured for 200 years or more? A few factors have allowed them to stand the test of time:
Adaptability
The oldest newspapers have adapted to changes in technology, society, and reader interests to remain relevant. As the world modernized, these publications transitioned from hand-operated printing presses to digitized systems, and from circulating in select cities to reaching global audiences online. They have also expanded coverage beyond politics and economics to include culture, sports, lifestyle, and entertainment sections that appeal to contemporary readers.
Commitment to Quality Journalism
These historic publications are dedicated to reporting news and events with accuracy, integrity, and impartiality. They established reputations for sharing well-researched stories and facts, not opinions or propaganda. Their objective and transparent approach to journalism has built trust and credibility that keeps readers coming back, generation after generation.
Sense of Civic Responsibility
Some of the oldest newspapers were founded to inform citizens and give a voice to public interests during times of social change. They played an important role in civic debates around abolition, workers’ rights, and other issues. This sense of responsibility to community and democratic principles has guided them for centuries.
Nostalgia Factor
Historic newspapers provide a glimpse into the past that sparks feelings of nostalgia in readers. Perusing archives of 19th and early 20th century issues reveals what daily life was like for our ancestors and how societies functioned in bygone eras. This opportunity to connect with history and better understand past events gives the oldest newspapers an appeal that transcends the news of the day.
The world’s oldest newspapers have endured by valuing adaptability, commitment to journalism, responsibility to community, and connection with history. By continuing to embody these principles, they ensure that they will chronicle life’s events and preserve our shared past for generations to come.
Final Thought
So there you have it – a glimpse into some of the oldest newspapers still putting ink to paper today. From covering the signing of the Declaration of Independence to bringing news of World War II to remote parts of Australia, these publications have chronicled history across centuries. And many are still going strong, delivering both breaking news and thoughtful commentary to local readers. Next time you pick up your daily paper or news app, consider the long journey print journalism has been on. These ten stalwarts beat on, their flickering torch of truth lighting the way. Who knows what history their next editions will capture.
