a copy of the very first edition of the Hartford Courant

This July the United States of America will celebrate its 238th birthday. When our nation was born, there were no sirens, breaking news sound effects or tweets touting the news. There were town criers and newspapers in the 18th century, and the news of the Declaration of Independence was covered by the Hartford Courant. Really.

The Courant, known back then as the Connecticut Courant, is marking its 250th birthday this year. It’s an amazing accomplishment for a newspaper that has survived the invention of radio, television, and the internet. By the way, WFSB is a mere young pup in the media business. We are only 56!

This Sunday on Face the State, talked with Courant publisher Nancy Meyer about this historic milestone for an organization that is America’s oldest continuously published newspaper. We’ll also chatted about the future of newspapers in an era of declining circulation and reminisce over some old front pages.

Watch the entire discussion right here: http://www.wfsb.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9771735

Tune in this Sunday at 11 for Face the State, only on WFSB Channel 3.