Continuidade e inovação na imprensa portuguesa de finais do século XIX: a emergência do jornalismo noticioso

Abstract

: In the transition from the 19th century to the following decades, press was marked by the contexts that enhanced or restricted its diffusion. The Liberal Monarchy, trough legislation, allowed newspapers either to have a great expansion or to be drastically repressed, depending on the political context. Social progress, the economy and educational attainment, which remained at very low levels, were equally important as drivers of progress. Political journalism or political and news features were the most relevant trend throughout the century. In a period of transition, the transforming current of industrialization of the press allowed changes in newspapers and a path to modern journalism. Social changes and new audiences led to progressive innovations in the transition to the new century. The newspaper that reported the news of the day became part of the logic of Portuguese dailies. The facts, emotional events, the reporting and the sensationalist framework would make their appearance, conquering new audiences and bringing Portuguese titles to the field of the industrialized press. This chapter approaches the evolution of news and editorial formats in four daily newspapers, in their elements of foundational identity, changes and innovation. Comércio do Porto, Diário de Notícias, Século and Jornal de Notícias are analysed according to evolution characteristic of this period, also taking into consideration the theoretical concepts regarding popular and sensationalist press.