Extra, Extra…

The title of the oldest newspaper is often attributed to different publications depending on how one defines a newspaper. Here are a few significant contenders:

Relation Aller Fürnemmen und Gedenckwürdigen Historien (1605)

Germany

Publisher: Johann Carolus

Details: Often recognised as the world’s first newspaper, this publication began in 1605 in Strasbourg (then part of the Holy Roman Empire). It was a weekly news periodical and is considered the first newspaper to meet the criteria of being published regularly and providing news reports to a wide audience.

Avisa Relation oder Zeitung (1609)

Germany

Published in Wolfenbüttel, this newspaper started in 1609 and is another early example of regular news reporting, further establishing the concept of periodic news dissemination.

The Gazette (1665)

United Kingdom

Publisher: Henry Muddiman

Originally called "The Oxford Gazette," it was Britain's first official journal of record. It began publication in 1665 during the Great Plague of London when the court temporarily relocated to Oxford. It remains published today as "The London Gazette," making it one of the oldest continuously published newspapers.

Post-och Inrikes Tidningar (1645)

Sweden

Publisher: Queen Christina of Sweden

Founded in 1645, this newspaper is the world's oldest continuously published newspaper. It was initially a government publication and is still published today, though now in a digital format.