Daily news is information about current events. It may be delivered by word of mouth, by printing, through postal systems or by radio, television and electronic communication. It may also be conveyed as testimony from observers and witnesses to events. The development of paper and the printing press enabled the transmission of news in more widespread and rapid fashion. News, or the lack thereof, can influence public opinion and political decisions.
The first newspapers began appearing in the 15th century, and with the advent of the telegraph, newspaper distribution expanded dramatically. News can now be delivered to people all over the world instantly, and with great speed. Events that used to take hours or days to become common knowledge in a town or a country can be broadcast or read in an instant over the internet, on the radio, TV, or mobile phone.
Modern journalism has been shaped by the development of these new technologies and the social changes they have caused. It is no longer simply a matter of recording events, writing them down and publishing them, but rather of providing information that is objective, factual and balanced. News is now a much more interactive experience and it is influenced by the reaction of readers, who may also contribute their own opinions through social media networks.
As a result of these changes, the boundaries between journalism and other forms of mass communication have become less distinct. This blurring, which was a source of potential danger even as it created new opportunities for progress, has spawned a new form of journalism that is both more flexible and more fluid than ever before.
Founded on January 28, 1878, the Yale Daily News is the oldest college daily newspaper in the United States. It is edited and published every weekday when Yale is in session. It is the primary source of news and comment for the campus community. The YDN has been home to many famous writers, editors and contributors who have gone on to prominent careers in journalism and in public life.
The YDN has an extensive historical archive, which is open to the public. The archive includes digitized copies of the print editions, as well as PDF versions of the most recent online issues. The archives are fully searchable. The YDN Historical Archive is an essential resource for students, teachers and scholars interested in the history of news, journalism and public policy in the United States. It is a part of the Yale Library Digital Collections. Permission is required for any unauthorized use of Yale Daily News content. To request permission, see the YDN Rights and Permissions site.
