I believe there is a major difference in journalism. The first difference is consumption. In the 18th century journalism was one of the only mediums used to get news out to the masses. Now there are multiple mediums available to get information out. When I write for a public audience my voice changes dependent upon who I am writing for. I like to laugh therefore I like to make others laugh. I don't subscribe wholesale to Dryden's definition of wit so sometimes my public voice is raunchy and bold. Other times my public voice must remain professional, tight, and controlled. When writing for an assignment I still attempt to keep humor in my voice I just make sure I follow as closely to the proper literary conventions as I can.
Journalism is now not only a source of entertainment and new it is also a source of advertisement. Not only selling services and necessities i would argue that the majority of journalism aim is to convince the general public to buy something. I would not have said the same of journalism in the 18th century.
