History

How Mexican Newspapers Have Inked Their Way Through History

From the vocal proclamations of pregoneros in colonial squares to today's digital platforms, Mexican journalism has weathered censorship, regime changes, and revolutions to become a cornerstone of the nation's democracy.

Mexicanist

Mexicanist

— 5 min read
How Mexican Newspapers Have Inked Their Way Through History
Boy voceador with a copy of the newspaper “Juan Panadero” published in Guadalajara, Jalisco (1905). AGN, Photographic Archives, Artistic and Literary Property, Oficios/1, Box 13, PAL/1768.

In the bustling squares and plazas of colonial New Spain, a figure known as the pregonero would stand, parchment in hand, proclaiming the edicts and news that the authorities of the time wished to disseminate to the people. This tradition, the root of Mexican journalism, predates the invention of the printing press in the country and illustrates a journey that has seen the press evolve, fight censorship, and become an integral part of the country's social fabric.

The game changed in 1539 with the advent of the printing press, which led to the rise of “hojas volantes,” or loose papers. Passed hand-to-hand or strategically posted in public spaces, these papers were often the first to report on a wide range of topics from mining to maritime news. Over time, these evolved into pamphlets and, eventually, gazettes—publications with some semblance of regularity.

When the Gazeta de México emerged in 1722, Mexican journalism entered a new era. Founded and edited by theologian Juan Ignacio Castorena, the viceregal government closely regulated this monthly newspaper. While it reported on topics like religion, commerce, and social affairs, political discussions were noticeably absent. Around 1810, it transformed into the Gazette of the Government of Mexico, laying the groundwork for today's Official Gazette of the Federation.

However, true editorial independence did not arrive until the Diario de México surfaced in 1805. Founded by Carlos María Bustamante and Jacobo de Villaurrutia, this newspaper enjoyed a relatively high degree of freedom from governmental oversight. It focused on literary, artistic, and scientific subjects, but was not entirely free from censorship.

El Calavera, one of the first newspapers to use caricature as a graphic resource.
El Calavera, one of the first newspapers to use caricature as a graphic resource. Credit: AGN

Journalism and the War of Independence

The War of Independence ushered in a new wave of journalism that was markedly nationalistic and political. Publications like El Despertador Americano (1810), El Ilustrador Nacional (1812), and El Pensador Mexicano (1812) emerged, offering platforms for ideological positions and social criticism. The latter even published the proclamation for the abolition of slavery.

After the establishment of the Mexican Republic in 1824, freedom of the press was enshrined in the constitution. This led to the birth of liberal publications like El Siglo Diez y Nueve and El Monitor Republicano which openly supported democratic movements and reforms. This was also the era where visual elements, like political caricatures, were introduced to Mexican journalism, attracting readers and embellishing the narrative.

The reign of Maximilian of Habsburg (the second empire) was a dark period for Mexican journalism. Publications like El Diario del Imperio were used as mouthpieces for the government. Following the fall of Maximilian, however, the press experienced a brief period of liberation, utilizing satire and caricature as tools for criticism.

La Orquesta, a humorous weekly newspaper founded by Carlos R. Casarín.
La Orquesta, a humorous weekly newspaper founded by Carlos R. Casarín. Credit: AGN

Opposition Journalism under Porfirio Díaz

The government of Porfirio Díaz saw the rise of an opposition press, represented by fiery publications like El Hijo del Ahuizote and Regeneración. Journalists were often persecuted and exiled, exemplifying the struggle for freedom of the press.

During the Porfirian era, subsidized newspapers like El Imparcial appeared. This marked the beginning of industrial and commercial journalism in Mexico, introducing innovative techniques like front-page photograms and advertising.

Over time, newspapers like El Universal and Excélsior were established and have continued until now, playing a pivotal role in shaping public opinion. The press has become a vital tool for studying the country's history, and its conservation is seen as a national task.

In a way, every newspaper clipping, every editorial, every caricature, is a slice of history, a page in the long, convoluted, and fascinating story of Mexican journalism. And as institutions like the AGN (Archivo General de la Nación) diligently work to preserve this history, one can't help but wonder what the next chapter will be in the ever-evolving tale of Mexico's fourth estate.

El Padre Cobos, a newspaper owned by Ireneo Paz.
El Padre Cobos, a newspaper owned by Ireneo Paz and in which cartoonists such as Alejandro Casarín and Jesus T. Alamilla participated. Credit: AGN
Juan Diego, a publication founded by Joaquín Gómez Vergara and edited by Vicente Vargas.
Juan Diego, a publication founded by Joaquín Gómez Vergara and edited by Vicente Vargas. Credit: AGN
El Hijo del Ahuizote, a newspaper with a critical and satirical editorial line through the use of caricatures.
El Hijo del Ahuizote, a newspaper with a critical and satirical editorial line through the use of caricatures. Credit: AGN
Regeneración, an anarchist newspaper supporting the Mexican working class.
Regeneración, an anarchist newspaper supporting the Mexican working class. Credit: AGN
Gazeta de México, a government publication that preceded the Diario Oficial de la Federación.
Gazeta de México, a government publication that preceded the Diario Oficial de la Federación. Credit: AGN
El Despertador Americano, the first pro-independence newspaper.
El Despertador Americano, the first pro-independence newspaper. Credit: AGN
El Siglo Diez y Nueve, founded by Mariano Otero and Juan Bautista.
El Siglo Diez y Nueve, founded by Mariano Otero and Juan Bautista; it included sections on literature, geographical and scientific articles, national and foreign news, public entertainments, advertisements, varieties and commercial news. Credit: AGN
Monitor Republicano, a liberal newspaper founded by Vicente García Torres.
Monitor Republicano, a liberal newspaper founded by Vicente García Torres. Credit: AGN
El Diario del Imperio, printed matter used for the publication of decrees imposed by the second empire.
El Diario del Imperio, printed matter used for the publication of decrees imposed by the second empire. Credit: AGN
El Imparcial, Rafel Reyes Spíndola's newspaper, which inaugurated the stage of industrialized journalism.
El Imparcial, Rafel Reyes Spíndola's newspaper, which inaugurated the stage of industrialized journalism. Credit: AGN
El Universal, a newspaper that followed much of the revolutionary movement.
El Universal, a newspaper that followed much of the revolutionary movement. Credit: AGN
Excélsior, front page on the assassination of revolutionary Emiliano Zapata.
Excélsior, front page on the assassination of revolutionary Emiliano Zapata. Credit: AGN

Source: Nación, Archivo General de la. ‘El devenir del periodismo en México a través de los ejemplares de la hemeroteca del AGN’. gob.mx, http://www.gob.mx/agn/articulos/el-devenir-del-periodismo-en-mexico-a-traves-de-los-ejemplares-de-la-hemeroteca-del-agn?idiom=es. Accessed 14 Sept. 2023.

Read more