The Boston News-Letter was the first continuously published newspaper in the American colonies, established in 1704. It was created by John Campbell, a postmaster in Boston, and primarily served to inform the public about local and international news, advertisements, and shipping information. The newspaper was published weekly and featured a mix of news, including political updates and social events. It played a significant role in shaping public opinion and fostering communication among the colonists, laying the groundwork for the development of journalism in America.