Francisco Mariano Nipho

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Francisco Mariano Nipho, also known as Francisco Mariano Nifo y Cagigal (1719–1803), was a Spanish writer and journalist, recognized as a pioneer of modern journalism in Spain.

Born in Alcañiz, Aragón, Nipho was the son of a mother from Pamplona and a father of Neapolitan descent, who served as governor of Maella. As a child, he moved with his family to Madrid, where he spent the rest of his life and career. He founded several newspapers and wrote under multiple pseudonyms, including "Mariano de la Diga" and "Manuel Ruiz de Uribe".

Nipho viewed journalism as a social and artistic responsibility, though he found it financially unrewarding. He described it as "a painful and unprofitable occupation," while stressing its role in "educating and moralizing". His contributions to journalism included direct English-to-Spanish literary translations, a rare practice at the time.

In 1758, he founded the ''Diario Noticioso, Curioso-Erudito y Comercial, Público y Económico'', considered Spain’s first modern newspaper. Later in life, he achieved greater financial and professional stability, serving as a censor in the late 18th century. Provided by Wikipedia