Final answer:
The incorrect statement about the historical development of mass media is that television was the first broadcast medium in history. Radio was the first broadcast medium, not television. Television did rapidly evolve after its introduction and merged audio with visual content to become a dominant medium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical development of mass media involves various significant inventions and improvements that transformed the way people access and consume information. However, the statement, 'Television was the first broadcast medium in history' is not true. The first broadcast medium was actually radio, which predated television. Television, on the other hand, developed rapidly after its introduction in the mid-20th century, combining audio and visual elements to become a powerful medium of mass communication.
Print media played a crucial role in society long before television, with early forms circulating as hand-copied boards in ancient Rome. The development of the printing press in the 15th century was a pivotal moment in the mass production and dissemination of information, leading to an increase in literacy and the spread of knowledge. Moreover, the invention of the telegraph in the 19th century revolutionized print media by allowing for instantaneous communication over long distances, reshaping the media landscape.
The Lumiere brothers made their mark in the history of mass media by inventing the cinematograph in the 19th century, laying the foundation for the movie industry and widening the media spectrum. Therefore, while all the other options provided significant milestones in the evolution of mass media, option a is incorrect and does not accurately represent the historical sequence of broadcasting mediums.