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Journal Entry #1 The First Newspaper.

There are some very obvious differences between newspapers today, and the very first newspapers. Not only have the design and layout of the papers changed, but also the content is very different. There are now things like obituaries, comic sections, and we get to enjoy everything in color. The very first newspaper, Publick Occurrences was written by Benjamin Harris as a way to inform the public of the misdoings of the government. Now it has moved away from that and has lots of information about local and national news, events and much more. Today online, you can watch news videos, or just turn on the television and see whats going on. You couldn't do that in 1690.

I don't think the government should have power to shut down newspapers or news stations because it is our right as citizens to have an in depth knowledge of what s going on in our communities, our country and our world. We should be able to go to news outlets in order to get an unbiased look and current events. If the government had control of what was and wasn't  able to be published, it would greatly impact our view of everything. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are vital for helping people form their own thoughts and opinions on important matters. The government shouldn't have that much power ever.

Newspapers are still allowed to publish even if they are critical of the government, businesses or anything else because they are protected under the First Amendment. Freedom of the press, which is detailed in the Constitution prevents the government from shutting down media outlets even if the publish something the government doesn't agree with. It is good that laws like this are in place so that freedoms and rights can be protected.

I was kind of surprised to learn that the first newspaper in Canada was published in Halifax, just because its so close to where we live. I would have thought it would have been in Ontario, more specifically Ottawa because it seems to be where everything cool happens. It's refreshing to read about a big piece of history taking place so close to home.



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