Did the internet really democratize publishing?

For centuries, publishing was controlled by institutions such as newspapers, television networks, radio stations, universities, and publishing houses. Printing and distribution required major financial resources, specialized equipment, and access to professional networks, making large scale communication inaccessible to most individuals. The arrival of the internet in the 1990s transformed this environment. Websites, blogs, forums, and later social media platforms drastically reduced the cost and complexity of publishing content. Individuals could suddenly share writing, videos, opinions, research, music, and journalism with global audiences in real time. As internet access expanded worldwide, publishing evolved from a centralized industry into a massive digital ecosystem where millions of people and organizations could create and distribute content instantly across borders.