Overview
A summary of the chronological development of Philippine journalism, highlighting key events, publications, people, and periods from the Spanish era to the present.
Early Philippine Journalism (Spanish Era)
- 1637: Tomas Pinpan launched "Suceso's Felices," the first Philippine newsletter.
- 1811: "Del Gobierno Superior" became the first newspaper with a clear name, date, and place.
- 1846: "La Esperanza" was published as the first daily newspaper.
- 1889–1898: Revolutionary newspapers included "La Solidaridad," "Kalayaan," "El Heraldo," and "La Independencia."
American and Japanese Eras
- 1920s: Alejandro Roces Sr. established the first newspaper chain (TVT: Taliba, Vanguardia, Tribune).
- 1930s: Senator Vicente Madrigal formed the DMHM publication chain.
- 1942 (Japanese occupation): Newspapers were censored; guerrillas produced underground periodicals to boost morale.
Post-War Era and Golden Age (1945–1972)
- 1945: Over 250 newspapers published after Manila’s liberation.
- 1952: National Press Club was formed to promote press freedom.
- 1946–1972: Known as the "Golden Age of Philippine Journalism," with a free and critical press.
Martial Law and Post-Martial Law Period
- 1972: President Marcos ordered media closures and created the Mass Media Council to control press operations.
- 1987: Philippine Press Institute was re-established.
- 1988: Code of ethics for journalists was established.
New Era: Campus Journalism, Digital Age, and Major Events
- 1991: Campus Journalism Act (RA 7079) was approved.
- 1994: Permanent public internet connection established.
- 1995: "The Manila Times" launched online journalism.
- 2009: Maguindanao Massacre killed 32 media workers.
- 2019: Guilty verdicts for those responsible for the massacre.
- 2020: ABS-CBN shut down after its franchise expired.
Chronological Order of Philippine Journalism Periods
- Spanish Era
- American Era
- Japanese Era
- Post-War Era
- Golden Age of Philippine Journalism
- Martial Law Period
- Post-Martial Law Period
- New Era
Key Terms & Definitions
- Suceso's Felices: First Philippine newsletter (1637).
- Campus Journalism Act (RA 7079): 1991 law supporting student journalism.
- Golden Age of Philippine Journalism: 1946–1972, period of press freedom.
- Maguindanao Massacre: 2009 mass killing of journalists.
Action Item
- Review and arrange the periods of Philippine journalism history in chronological order.