tribune

Tribune derives from Latin tribuna, a raised platform in a public space from which speakers addressed crowds. The term has been used since antiquity to designate public figures who spoke for others or protected the community, and later to denote offices or roles with public function.

In ancient Rome, tribunes appeared in several forms. Tribunes of the plebs (tribuni plebis) were plebeian magistrates elected to defend plebeian rights. They could convene the plebeian assembly, propose legislation, and veto actions by other magistrates; they were sacrosanct. The number was ten, and the term was usually one year. Military tribunes (tribuni militum) served as officers in a legion; the number per legion varied, commonly six.

In later periods, the title spread in Europe to denote various public officers, conveners, or speakers who acted as representatives of a group or people. In English usage, “tribune” can denote a public advocate or guardian of the common good, or simply a title for a speaker or official.

In modern times, Tribune is a common name for newspapers and media outlets; the Chicago Tribune is among the best known, founded in 1847. The name is also used by other newspapers and by organizations that wish to evoke public discourse or defense of the people.