the activity or profession of writing for newspapers, magazines, or news websites or preparing news to be broadcast.

• Early Beginnings: In ancient Rome, "Acta Diurna" (Daily Acts) were written records of events, akin to newsletters. In China, the Tang Dynasty saw the production of "tipao," or "palace bulletins."
• The Printing Press: Johannes Gutenberg's invention in 1450 revolutionized how news was disseminated. By the 17th century, Europe saw the emergence of the first newspapers like the "Relation aller Fürnemmen und gedenckwürdigen Historien" in Germany.
• Newspapers in the Modern Sense: The 18th century brought newspapers like The London Gazette and The New York Gazette, which were more frequent and aimed at a broader audience. This era also saw the rise of journalism's role in political discourse, particularly during the American and French Revolutions.
• The Penny Press: In the 19th century, the advent of the penny press in the U.S. made newspapers accessible to the masses, with papers like The New York Sun and The New York Herald focusing on crime, human interest stories, and local news.
• The Rise of Objectivity: By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the concept of journalistic objectivity began to take hold as a reaction to the sensationalism of yellow journalism. This period also saw the professionalization of journalism, with the establishment of journalism schools.
• Broadcast Journalism: The 20th century introduced radio and television, expanding journalism into new mediums. Edward R. Murrow's work during WWII and later on CBS is emblematic of broadcast journalism's impact.
• Digital Age: The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen journalism adapt to the internet, with the rise of online news, blogs, social media, and citizen journalism, challenging traditional models of news gathering and dissemination.

• Joseph Pulitzer - Pioneered modern journalism practices, gave his name to the Pulitzer Prize.
• Walter Cronkite - Known as "The Most Trusted Man in America" for his CBS Evening News broadcasts.
• Edward R. Murrow - His radio broadcasts from London during WWII and later television work set standards for broadcast journalism.
• Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein - Their investigation of the Watergate scandal for The Washington Post is a landmark in investigative journalism.
• Nellie Bly - An investigative journalist known for her exposés on social issues, including her famous stint in an asylum.
• Ida B. Wells - A pioneering African-American journalist who documented lynching in the South.
• Christiane Amanpour - Renowned for her conflict reporting and her role at CNN.

Consider These Exemplary Moments:

• The Pentagon Papers (1971) - Published by The New York Times and The Washington Post, revealing government lies about the Vietnam War, showcasing the power of the press in democracy.
• Watergate Scandal - The Washington Post's coverage by Woodward and Bernstein, leading to President Nixon's resignation, highlighted journalism's role in political accountability.
• Murrow's "See It Now" Episode on McCarthy - Edward R. Murrow's critique of Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communist tactics in 1954 is often cited as a moment when journalism helped turn public opinion.
• The Boston Globe's Spotlight Team - Their investigation into child abuse within the Catholic Church, which won a Pulitzer Prize and was later dramatized in the film "Spotlight," exemplifies modern investigative journalism.
• WikiLeaks and the Chelsea Manning Leaks - While controversial, the publication of classified documents by WikiLeaks in 2010 brought new dimensions to the discussion on transparency, government secrecy, and press freedom in the digital age.
• The New Yorker's Coverage of Social Issues - From long-form journalism on topics like race, poverty, and politics, The New Yorker has set standards for in-depth, narrative journalism.