The Roman Empire published Acta Diurna ("Daily Acts"), or government announcement bulletins, around 59 BC, as ordered by Julius Caesar. In China, early government-produced news sheets, called tipao, were commonly used among court officials during the late Han dynasty (2nd and 3rd centuries AD).

1. 1
History & Growth of Mass Media:
Code no : JMC 555
To : Sashi Marasini
Seminar Paper: Short History & Growth of Newspapers
By: Amrit Dhakal
Roll No: 21
Concept:
What is newspaper?
A printed publication (usually issued daily or weekly) consisting of folded unstapled
sheets and containing news, articles, advertisements, and correspondence. Printed
media usually distributed weekly or daily in the form of a folded book of papers.
According to the Media experts the Newspaper is a set of large sheets of paper that
have news stories, information about local events, advertisements, etc., and that
are folded together and sold every day or every week is called newspaper.
The most important or interesting news will be displayed on the front page of the
publication. Newspapers may also include advertisements, opinions,
entertainment and other general interest news.
Some of the most popular newspapers are the Wall Street Journal, the Washington
Post, and the New York Times in the world.
History of Newspaper in the world:
Before the advent of the newspaper, there were two major kinds of periodical news
publications: the handwritten news sheet, and single item news publications. These
existed simultaneously.

2. 2
The Roman Empire published Acta Diurna ("Daily Acts"), or government
announcement bulletins, around 59 BC, as ordered by Julius Caesar. In China, early
government-produced news sheets, called tipao, were commonly used among
court officials during the late Han dynasty (2nd and 3rd centuries AD).
The Newspaper was developed after the establishment of printing press. The
printing press was invented in the Holy Roman Empire by the German Johannes
Gutenberg around 1456 BC, based on existing screw presses. Between this periods
more than 400 dailies & weekly newspapers published in Europe.
The first true newspaper in English was the Oxford Gazette of 1666 later London
Gazette. For a generation it was the only officially sanctioned newspaper, though
many periodical titles were in print by the century's end.
Beginning in America:
In America the first newspaper appeared in Boston in 1690, entitled Public
Occurrences. The first successful newspaper was the Boston News-Letter, begun
by postmaster John Campbell in 1704.
The ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791 at last guaranteed of freedom of the
press, and America's newspapers began to take on a central role in national affairs.
Growth continued in every state. By 1814 there were 346 newspapers. The
emergence of the "Penny Press"; it was now possible to produce a newspaper that
could be sold for just a cent a copy. Articles in colonial papers, brilliantly conceived
by revolutionary propagandists, were a major force that influenced public opinion
in America from reconciliation with England to full political independence.
Growth continued in every state. By 1814 there were 346 newspapers. In the
Jacksonian populist 1830's, advances in printing and papermaking technology led
to an explosion of newspaper growth, the emergence of the "Penny Press"; it was
now possible to produce a newspaper that could be sold for just a cent a copy.
Previously, newspapers were the province of the wealthy, literate minority. The
price of a year's subscription, usually over a full week's pay for a laborer, had to be
paid in full and "invariably in advance."
Table 1: World Newspapers history
Date Newspaper Name Language Country/Region Remarks

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1666 Oxford Gazette English England The paper was printed in London and
renamed London Gazette, still published.
1702 Daily Courant English England World first daily newspaper
1704 Boston News letter English Thirteen Colonies
1780 Bengal Gazette English Calcutta/India First newspaper in South Asia. Published
weekly from 1780-01-29 to 1782-03-23
An integral part of the World Newspaper Archive:
The Center for Research Libraries (CRL), one of the largest and most important
newspaper repositories in the world, is committed along with its partners to
providing sustainable access to a rich and diverse set of international scholarly
resources. The World Newspaper Archive presents opportunities for fresh insight
across a wide range of academic disciplines while offering unprecedented coverage
of events that have shaped international history, politics, cultures and daily life
during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This unique resource includes historical
newspapers published in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia and is an ideal
research tool for students, teachers and scholars around the globe.
For more comprehensive searches, the World Newspaper Archive can be cross
searched with America’s Historical Newspapers. For more information, contact a
Readex representative by using our easy contact form.
Views of South Asian history:
According to David D. Oberhelman, Edmon Low Library, Oklahoma State University
online access to ten newspapers published in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka during
the 19th and early 20th centuries. Opportunities for fresh insights into South Asian
history, politics, culture and daily life. Featuring English-, Gujarati- and Bengali-
language papers published in India, in the regions of the Subcontinent that now
comprise Pakistan, and in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), South Asian Newspapers offers
extensive coverage of the people, issues and events that shaped the Indian
Subcontinent between 1864 and 1922.
Views of South Asian history, politics, culture and daily life:
South Asian Newspapers, 1864-1922, covers the aftermath of the Indian Rebellion;
construction of railroads; effects of British Colonial rule; Hindu-Muslim conflicts;
life on coffee, tea and rubber plantations; Morely-Minto Reforms; formation of the

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Indian National Congress; start of Mahatma Gandhi’s independence movement;
economics, politics, the arts; and much more. Offering a variety of perspectives,
the important newspapers in this collection are ideal for comparing and contrasting
views on both local and global issues.
South Asian Newspapers includes such titles as Amrita Bazar Patrika (Calcutta),
Bankura Darpana (Bankura, India), Madras Mail (Madras), Kayasare Hinda
(Bombay), Pioneer (Allahabad, India), Tribune (Lahore, Pakistan) and the Ceylon
Observer (Sri Lanka). Through eyewitness reporting, editorials, legislative updates,
letters, poetry, advertisements, matrimony and death notices, this collection
chronicles the evolution of cultures and communities across South Asia during a
time of intense change.
Newspapers in Nepal:
Use of newspapers in Nepal has been a daily and effective medium in the sector of
mass communication in the country. This effectual and efficient ancient practice
still proves itself a useful method for purposes of communication, advertisement,
news broadcast, notice publication and general awareness all around the world.
Known to one of the cheapest means of communication, the system is also robust
and reliable.
The first daily newspaper in Nepal was the Nepal Bhasa Patrika that was first
published on 28th September, 1955 in Kathmandu. Phatte Bahadur Singh made his
contributions as the first editor of the newspaper. The publication was stopped in
the year 1983.
In around 1953, a weekly newspaper titled Pasa showed up. It was published by a
literary organization named Chwasa Pasa. And this organization was formed by two
exiled editors Prem Bahadur Kansakar and Madan Lochan Singh in 1950, Calcutta.
Chwasa Pasa relocated to Kathmandu after the Rana reign was eliminated and
when democracy entered the country in 1951. This weekly newspaper was
published on a daily basis for three months in 1957.
Later, in 1983, another weekly newspaper Rajamati began publishing in Lalitpur. It
was brought by Dharma Ratna Shakya with use of Nepali language at its initial days.
In the same year, Inap appeared, edited and published by Krishna Sundar Malla.

5. 5
This approach brought a new evolution in Journalism in Nepal. The publication
lasted from 1983 to 1996.
As the first evening newspaper, Biswabhumi emerged that was formerly published
in Nepali Language since 1987. It was edited by Ashok Shrestha. And this
newspaper gained a massive popularity for its breaking news during the 90’s
movement for Democracy in the country. Shrestha continued with another evening
newspaper named Nhugu Biswabhumi in 1992. Biswabhumi remained active until
1999.
History of Nepali Journalism:
History of media goes parallel with the political history of any country. We can also
witness similar situation in Nepalese context. The history of Nepali media has been
immensely influenced by the Nepalese political history.
Traditional Communication System:
During the period, there were no any aids of print and audio-visual media. This
period of traditional communication system is non-recorded history of Nepali
Media.
'Katuwal Karaune', 'Jhyali Pitne', 'Sankha Phukne', 'Damaha Thataune', 'Karnal
Phukne' etc. were in practice for public information and mass communication
during this period. Those practices were in use for a long time and are still in
existence in some rural parts of Nepal. Katuwals were more effective than other
modern media including newspapers to disseminate information.
Rana period − 19o3 to 2007
 This period is considered as the initial phase or beginning of the development
of journalism of Nepal.
 In 1908 BS, then Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana (JBR) imported a hand
press instruments in Nepal from Europe in course of his visit there.
 Although it was used for publication purpose only after 58 years of its entry
into Nepal, It was said to be the first press machine here.
GORKHA BHARAT JEEVAN

6. 6
This was the Nepali magazine brought out from Banaras, India. This is first media
outlet in Nepali language. Ram Krishna Barma served as the founder editor of this
magazine brought out on the prime initiative of great scholar Moti Ram Bhatta.
Gorkha Bharat Jeevan was a monthly magazine based on literature. It was printed
at Bharat Jeevan Press, Banaras which was owned by Editor himself. There was no
uniformity regarding the date of its publication, however, different dates are found
in the history of journalism.
 1943 BS - according to the Press Commission Report- 2015
 1945 BS. - According to the historian of Nepali language and literature Harsha
Nath Sharma
 1950 BS. -according to a book entitled 'Patrakarita' authored by Ram Raj
Poudyal
An advertisement was published at the cover page of a book entitled 'Gorkha Hasya
Mangari' in 1952 BS which was published from the same Bharat Jeeban Press,
Banars.
G]fkfnL efiffdf afa' /fds[i0f jdf{ ;Dkfbs ''uf]vf{ ef/t hLjgn] cg]s t/xsf xf;L lbNnuL cf} rt'–ofO{sf s'/f
;+ux u/L cfkmgf lghL oGqfnodf 5fkL ksfz u/] .
Whether it was brought to Nepal or not has not been mentioned and the number
of copies published is still unknown. Kamal Mani Dixit has mentioned in his book
'Kalo Akchhar' that some copies of 'Gorkha Bhatat Jeevan' were in Kashi
Vidyapeeth.
Anyway the magazine played two major roles in the history of Nepali journalism
that are as follows.
 Preserved existence of Gorkha (Nepali) language among other languages of
Indian sub- continent.
 Boosted up confidence and inspiration among Nepalese youth and scholars
for the publishing of magazine in their mother language.
SUDHA SAGAR
Sudhasagar was a monthly literary magazine published as the first print media
outlet from Nepal. This is the second publication in Nepali language. Pandit
Naradev Pandey and Kapil Dev were the editors of the magazine.

7. 7
There was big lack of financial along with other resources for the publishing of
Sudha Sagar and Gorkha Bharat Jeevan as well. Then Rana regime did not provide
any support to these magazines.
GORKHAPATRA:
Gorkhapatra started to get published after two years and ten months of the
publication of the Sudha Sagar. It was first printed in Baisakh 24, Monday of 1958,
(May 6 1901). With the publishing of Gorkhapatra, Nepal has entered into the
newspaper development era in the history of Nepali journalism. Gorkhapatra is the
first Nepali newspaper, second press publication and third press publication in
Nepali language.
Gorkhapatra was published in the period of the Rana regime where civil rights and
democracy was no more in Nepal. Prime Minister Dev Shumsher JBR was more
liberal and reformist in comparison to other Rana Rulers. Therefore, the publication
of Gorkhapatra was made possible with his liberal thoughts. It was also one of the
reformative initiative among others brought out during his rule in Nepal. He handed
over the Giddhe Press and Litho Press to Nardev and authorized him to publish
Gorkhapatra under the supervision of Lt. Conl. Dilli Samsher Thapa.
But, Dev Shumsher JBR was subjected to victim by his brother Chandra Shumsher
.JBR's conspiracy and overthrown from Prime Minister's post. Chandra Shumsher
JBR ruled for 31 years as he was a hardliner ruler. In his period there was no chance
to have other newspaper published.He even did not allow to have published 200
copies of each issue of Gorkhapatra during his rule. Media activities were almost
limited to zero during Rana Period. Deficit financial situation, lack of educated
human resource and curtailment of civil rights attributed to the limitation of the
development of journalism.
Later during the period of Juddha Shumsher JBR, Sharada Monthly got published
in Falgun, 1991 BS on the leadership of Riddhi Bahadur Malla. It was the third press
publication brought out with some financial support from Rana government .It was
a new publication in Nepal after a long gap of 33 years.
In Bharda, 1992 BS, Editor Surya Bhakta Joshi started Udhyog Fortnightly as an
industrial information journal. But it converted into monthly literary magazine after

8. 8
two years. In Asoj, 2000, Gorkhapatra started publishing twice a week after 42
years of its beginning and thrice a week later.
AFTER ESTABLISHMENT OF DEMOCRACY − 2007 to 2017
This period is taken as the initial stage of the Nepalese journalism. Various sectors
such as education, economics, politics, journalism etc were immoderately
benefited following the establishment of democracy. Political parties enjoyed open
environment and democratic institutions were established and strengthened.
Within 24 hours of the proclamation of democracy, 'Awaj' the first daily newspaper
of Nepal was published in Falgun 8, 2007 from Kathmandu. Siddhi Charan Shrestha
was the Editor of the newspaper. It presented a Banner headline news on royal
proclamation of democracy establishment, along with photograph of King
Tribhuvan in its first issue. Unfortunately, Awaj sustained just for two years.
In Bhadra 24, 2011 BS, 'Samaj', the second daily newspaper was brought out from
Kathmandu, Editor of the newspaper was Pashupati Dev Pandey; later Mani Raj
Upadhyaya gave editorial leadership to the newspaper. Many weeklies, half
weeklies and dailies got published during the period.
Women also took initiatives to publish the newspaper. In 2008 Jestha 'Mahila' a
monthly magazine was published having Editors namely Sadhana Pradhan and
Kamakchha Devi (first female journalist of Nepal). Journalism was started in various
languages like English, Newari, and Hindi in Nepal.
'Nepal Guardian' is the first English monthly magazine which was published from
Kathmandu in 2010 BS (1948 AD). The magazine was printed in Calcutta, Editor-
Barun Samsher JBR. 'The Commoner', the first English daily newspaper of Nepal,
published from Kathmandu in 2012 (1956 July 15), editor- Gopal Das Shrestha.
Other newspapers published in English language include, Daily Mirror, Everest
News, and The Motherland etc.
In Kartik, 2009, 'Pasa ', a fortnightly newspaper was published in Newari language.
Editor of the newspaper was Asharam Shakya. 'Nepal Bhasa Patrika', the first
Newari daily newspaper was published from Kathmandu in 2012 Asoj 16. Fatte Bdr.
Singh was the Editor of the newspaper.
'Tarang Weekly', the first Hindi newspaper, got published from Kathmandu in 2008
Shrawan, Editor- Bhoj Bahadur Singh.'Jai Nepal', the first Hindi Daily, was published

9. 9
in 2012, Shrawan from Kathmandu. Editor was Indra Chandra Jain. The publication
took place out of Kathmandu valley. 'Sewa' was the first monthly newspaper
published from out of Kathmandu valley (Birgunj) in 2008, Shrawan. It was printed
in Banaras of which Editor was Shyam Prasad Sharma. During this period, around
170 newspapers brought out in Nepal.
Mainly political parties were enthusiastic to publish the newspaper as a means of
political awareness at the moment. Around 35 political publications took place
during the period. Some main political party publications were Nepal Pukar and
Nawa Nepal published by Nepali Congress, Nepal Sandesh and Jana Bani by Rastriya
Praja Parishad, Nawa Yug by Communist Party of Nepal, Mashal, Naya Bato by
Nepali Rastriya Congress, Samyukta Prayas by Samyukta Prajatantra Party,
Karmabir by Karmabir Mahamandal etc. Most of them were weeklies.
Publications of this period can be divided into 5 categories.
 News oriented – dailies
 Views oriented- weeklies, half weeklies and fortnightlies
 Language and literature oriented - monthlies, bimonthlies
 House journals - publications of parties and other institutions
 Government publications
Journalism of this period can be named as 'initial stage of modern journalism in
Nepal'.
Table No 2: Nepali newspapers history
S.
No.
Name of the
newspaper
Published
Date
Language Place Editor
1 GORKHA BHARAT
JEEVAN
1943 BS Nepali India Ram Krishna Barma
2 SUDHA SAGAR 1955 BS Nepali Nepal Pandit Naradev
Pandey/ Kapil Dev
3 Gorkhapatra 1958 BS Nepali Nepal Pandit Naradev
Pandey
4 Sharada 1951 BS Nepali Nepal Riddhi Bahadur
Malla
5 Udhyog 1992 BS Nepali Nepal Surya Bhakta Joshi

10. 10
6 Sahitya Shrot 2004 BS Nepali Nepal Hridayachandra
Singh Pradhan
7 Gharelu Ilam
Patrika
2004 BS Nepali Nepal Bhimnidhi Tiwari
8 Shikshya 2004 BS Nepali Nepal Bhimnidhi Tiwari
9 Kathmandu
Municipal
2004 BS Nepali Nepal
10 Nepal Shikshya 2005 BS Nepali Nepal Trailokyanath Upreti
11 Jagaran 2007 BS Nepali Nepal Hridayachandrasingh
Pradhan
12 Awaj 2007 BS Nepali Nepal Siddhi Charan
Shrestha
13 Samaj 2011 BS Nepali Nepal Mani Raj Upadhyaya
PANCHAYAT PERIOD − 2017 to 2046 BS
Panchayat period is taken as the period marking the beginning of mission
journalism. For the first time in the history of Nepal, the mission journalism was
introduced during the period. Journalism during the period was divided into two
missions: pro-panchayat and anti-panchayat.
Main objective of the pro-panchayat newspaper was to justify the necessity of the
panchayat system whereas anti-panchayat newspaper came to front to advocate
for democracy. Press freedom was not more in practice and many actions took
place against press. There were two phases of journalism: Before Referendum
(2017 to 2036 BS) and After Referendum (2036 to 2046BS).
Views oriented weekly newspapers were more popular at that time. Although there
was no guarantee of civil rights and press freedom during the period, development
of infrastructure was sped up in various sectors of press. Ministry of
Communication was given autonomy. Earlier, other Ministries looked after the
portfolio related to information and communication. News Agency was established
as a government media and at the same time Press Council was founded on the
initiative of government. The Tribhuvan University began teaching journalism
education and press publication and media development took a professional turn.
Nepal entered into the television era and radio was expanded outside Kathmandu.

11. 11
Gorkhapatra became daily from 2017 Falgun 7 (after 59 years of its publication).
Gopal Pd. Bhattarai was first editor of daily Gorkhapatra. The Rising Nepal national
daily published in 2022 Paush 1, Editor Barun S. JBR. Other dailies; Hamro Desh,
Naya Nepal, Nabin Khabar, Naya Samaj, Nirman (Biratnagar), Jana Jeevan (Birgunj),
Dainik Nirnaya (Pokhara / Bhairahawa).
Some Leading weeklies : Samikchha, Matribhumi, Naya Sandesh, Saptahik Manch,
Jana Sambad, Yug Sambad, Jana Jyoti, Jan Jagriti, Deshantar, Dristi, Punarjagaran,
Saptahik Manch, Saptahik Bimarsha, Rastra Pukar, Chalphal, Pratibadha, Gatibidhi,
Tarka, Arati, Arpan, Panchayat Bato, Anchal Sandesh (Janakpur), Lumbini Sandesh,
Bheri Sandesh, Gandaki Sandesh, Himalayan Guardian, Nepal Review, The Nepalese
Perspective etc.
Nepali media played great role in people's Movement 2046 started with Chaksibari
meeting at the leader Ganeshman Singh's residence on 2045, Magh 5. Nepali
congress and left political parties joined hands for movement to dethrone
Panchayat system. Active role played by private and foreign media to support the
movement. Government media were compelled to support Panchayat system till
last minute but the journalists extend their moral support to the movement. After
struggle of 50 days, party less system was declared end at late night in 2046 Chaitra
24th.
AFTER RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY − 2047 to 2061 Magh
This period is regarded as the phase of modern and professional journalism in the
history of Nepali Newspaper history. After the success of people's movement, new
constitution (Nepal's constitution 2047) has guaranteed the press freedom and
right to information to people. It was widely praised. Wide impact of this provision
has been seen to the media sector. Political and other sectors have also been
benefited by this freedom. This provision encouraged the media sector luring huge
investment in media. Newspaper became professional and it was accepted as the
industry of the country. Political parties became free and Political activities sped
up.
The door has been opened for huge investment and from private sector Kantipur
Publications established with ambitious investment of more than Rs.30 million ( 3
crore).

12. 12
Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post, the first broad sheet national dailies from
private sector were published in 2049 Falgun 7th. Due to the popularity in the short
time many other broadsheet dailies came out. Some of them sustained and some
went out from the sight. During this period online journalism also came out and
because of the computer it was possible to read the newspaper and to hear the
radio in computer. Shree Sagarmatha, Everest Herald (English daily), Lokpatra,
Space Time, Space Today, Shree Deurali, Naya Sadak stopped their publication not
because of government but by their own problem.
Simultaneous publication also started to get published. Nepal Samacharpatra
started to publish from Biratnagar since 2058, Baisakh. Kantipur started since 2061
Ashar from Bharatpur. Newspaper publications were also stared from outside the
country. For example Nepal Samacharpatra initiated its publishing from Doha,
Qatar since 2062 ahead, although it could not sustain for a long time. Now Kantipur
and Rajdhani dailies have their weekly publication from Doha but not simultaneous.
Newspaper publication in different languages was started and going on.
AFTER SUCCESS OF THE PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT -2 (2063 Baishakh Onwards)
Nepali press played an important role against king's regime. It fought for the
freedom of press and democracy. Due to its contribution to the democracy Nepali
press is admired among the society and government itself also created the
favorable atmosphere to exercise press freedom. No any restriction or pressure
from the state and rebels after the democracy.
Government took initiative for overall development of media .Some important
achievements of this time are as follows:
 High Level Commission for Media Recommendation.
 High Level Taskforce to recommend restructuring the government media.
 Right to Information Act, 2064
 First Amendment in working journalist Act
 Minimum wages recommendation commission of the working journalist
 Clear provision about press freedom in interim constitution (even in
preamble)
 State run media are also enjoying more press freedom

13. 13
 No any journalists in jail
 Various television channels and newspapers are coming out with huge
investment.
Survival Status of Newspaper in the Digital Age:
The objective of this paper is to explore and discuss the future of the world
Newspapers. Currently, the industry is struggling to survive and many critics predict
its complete demise. Through my research and analysis, I hope to help the all
publisher in finding a formula for success.
I will examine some key factors that have uprooted the newspaper from its
traditional model and explain how they are contributing to the demise of the
newspaper industry.
 Find new revenue Structure
 Maintain Circulation Status
 Provide effective training campaigns
Newspapers in the Future:
Newspapers have already been revolutionized by computers and electronics, and
this trend will probably continue. As we have talk in earlier most newspapers now
use computers to automate many of the functions of composition and printing and
to store and retrieve material for editorial and advertising content. Newspapers
turned to convergence medium from the past decades. As a result, newspapers
have been forced to integrate with the Web and now approximately 80% of
newspaper publishers have integrated web and print operations.
The Internet has also removed any barriers to entry. Initially, entry costs were very
high because large investments were needed to set-up a publishing house, and so
the number of players was restricted. This has placed newspapers in an industry for
news and information, and as a result they are now directly competing with all
news sites online as displayed.
Conclusion:
From the above analysis it is evident that the existing newspaper business model
necessitates change. Whether this means merely altering their existing model to
include print and digital or a complete transformation of going purely digital is

14. 14
debatable. One of the key features of digital news is its ability to provide news in
real-time. Online news is constantly being updated, alerting users with any
breaking news.
As time passes, the alternatives of newspaper communication will grow. And as
home computers become a widespread commodity, persons in the home will be
able to tap information from gigantic data bases. The important element here is
that individuals will be able to create their own newspaper. They will be able to
tailor information to their own choosing, selecting some material an eliminating
others. Nationals and international newspapers are now a technological
possibility. The developments that allow media to be used more personally are
also capable of creating more massive media.
Appendix: 01
 Picture 1, First Printing Press :
Invented by Johans Guttenberg around
1456 BC in Germany.

15. 15
Appendix 2: Sample of world first Newspaper London Gazette

16. 16
Appendix 3 World Firs Daily Newspaper Daily Current.

17. 17
Bibliography:
 www.historyguide.org/intellect/press.html
 www.historicpages.com
 www.businessdictionary.com/definition/newspaper.html
 http://www.top-nepal.com/communication/newspapers-in-nepal.html
 http://npi10month.blogspot.com/
 Mass Media V: An Introduction to Modern Communication, Hiebert.
Ungurait. BOHN
 Advanced Journalism : Shreesha Bhandari
 Mass Communication Theory : Denis McQuail