Reporter's Notebook: The father of the QWERTY keyboard
The Keyboard of News: The Story Behind 'QWERTY'In the late 19th century, one man’s hands-on creativity transformed a mundane object into a symbol of innovation. Christopher Latham Sholes, an inventor who first patented the QWERTY keyboard in 1868, left a lasting legacy that continues to influence media and news today. Born in 1784 in Boston, Sholes spent his early years tinkering with mechanical devices before he became the co-anchor of CBS Evening News on January 23, 1950.
Sholes’ journey from a man’s ordinary laborer to a revolutionary inventor was paved by media and journalism. His hands-on involvement with keyboards led to the creation of one of the most iconic symbols in American history. The QWERTY layout became the standard for typing on a keyboard, shaping not only the keyboard itself but also our modern understanding of keyboard design.
In his first appearances as co-anchor, Sholes worked alongside prominent journalists like John Dickerson. During their interviews and editorials, he often used the QWERTY layout to convey insights about the media landscape. He emphasized clarity, structure, and accessibility, often using it as a metaphor for communication in society. This deliberate use of the keyboard became a symbol of his influence on media discourse.
The keyboard’s evolution from a tool to a symbol of media culture highlights the enduring impact of Sholes’ innovation. From its first introduction in the 1860s to modern screens, the QWERTY keyboard remains a quintessential representation of what it means to communicate effectively. Its story is one of experimentation, exploration, and recognition of the power of human invention.
In 2014, a newly discovered manuscript about Sholes’ involvement with keyboards was found in his attic. It revealed that he had already worked on early keyboards as early as 1865. His hands-on creativity, though not patentable at the time, shaped our modern media landscape. Sholes’ contributions to the QWERTY keyboard are still felt today, influencing how we work, communicate, and connect.
The keyboard of the 20th century remains a cornerstone of media and news, symbolizing both tradition and innovation. Through his role as a reporter and editor on CBS Evening News, Sholes left an indelible mark on how we think, speak, and interact with one another. His story is one of inspiration, challenge, and recognition—something that continues to resonate deeply in our increasingly connected world.
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