Communication is as old as the world. Communication science is a relatively young science. Public Relations, Marketing and independent journalism developed in the 19th century, although those labels came later. Surprisingly exciting history with an Amsterdam touch. It’s good to delve into that past in historic Cafe Scheltema.

In the 19th century, the government’s grip on society in the Western world diminished. Industrial revolution and the rise of influential corporate groups allowed for more influence from new players. Daily newspapers became mass media because they could be produced more cheaply and became accessible to everyone. They were able to adopt a more independent attitude towards government, politics and business.

Government, business and advocates were looking for ways to disseminate their views. Independent journalism and public relations were given their place.

Rutger de Graaf takes us back in time and takes us through a number of appealing, also Amsterdam, examples to the current time in which facts and fables intertwine.

Historic ground
The meeting is in Amsterdam’s leading journalists café, located on the former newspaper boulevard of the Netherlands, the Amsterdam Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. Café Scheltema is an integral part of the history of our media landscape. When Kennedy was assassinated, the American ambassador called the cafe instead of the newspaper editors. Scheltema threatens to close its doors soon. So grab the chance to hear here about the exciting story of newspapers, spies, murder and intrigue in Amsterdam.

Rutger is a lecturer and researcher at the UvA’s communication faculty and has his own research bureau.