In the 20th century, the word global began to have a very specific meaning. In fact, that concept includes multiple realities and therefore presents different facets. To understand the processes that have helped shape the concept, it is essential to go to a historical perspective. Knowing the history illuminates the present. The media have been a necessary and essential instrument in raising awareness that humanity forms a single and unitary entity. Technological development has played a fundamental role in the expansion of communication. Specifically, media such as the press, radio, television, and digital journalism have profoundly affected society’s configuration. They are the main ones responsible for globalization, which is especially evident for all citizens. Thanks to their activity, they have managed to expand borders. They have made us perceive countries as close or problems that are physically far away.

The History of Communication has evolved in tandem with shifts in political and economic systems, and by extension, with systems of power. Communication can range from very subtle processes of exchange, to full conversations and mass communication. The history of communication itself can be traced back to the beginnings of social life. The printing technology was a historic milestone in the way in which people relate to each other, for it creates a public sphere in which the most important issues are debated today. Due to technological change, mass media play a crucial role when understanding the evolution of the contemporary world.

La prensa escrita salió de la segunda Guerra Mundial herida, como consecuencia de los destrozos que llevó el conflicto en buen número de países y de la pérdida progresiva de protagonismo por el ascenso de los medios audiovisuales, sobre todo del televisivo. A partir de 1945 los periodistas se enfrentaron a la creciente popularidad de la televisión, concebida fundamentalmente para el entretenimiento de la audiencia y que incluía con la información de actualidad como un elemento imprescindible. El protagonismo del nuevo medio se tradujo en una mayor capacidad de impacto, tanto para el público como para los anunciantes, que progresivamente fueron orientando, cada vez más, sus inversiones hacia la televisión. La palabra crisis está marcando la vida del periodismo escrito. Una visión de conjunto de cómo ha cambiado la prensa desde 1945 ayuda a comprender la realidad actual del periodismo.