The Daily News
Founded in 1919 by Joseph Medill Patterson, a publisher of the Chicago Tribune, which had split over differences in editorial policy, the Daily News was one of the first successful tabloid newspapers in the United States. It lured readers with sensational reporting on crime, scandal and violence, lurid photographs, and entertainment features such as comics and cartoons. By the 1930s, the newspaper was one of the largest in the world, and its circulation topped 2 million.
The Daily News was known for its pictorial coverage and a willingness to go beyond its competitors in order to secure a dramatic front page story. For example, in 1928, the paper ran an image of Ruth Snyder mid-electrocution, with the headline “DEAD!” The New York Times wrote: “The brassy pictorial Daily News leads all the rest.”
By the mid-20th century, the Daily News had a reputation for quality journalism and a loyal readership. It was an early user of the Associated Press wirephoto service and had a large staff of photographers. It also had a strong presence in the realm of public affairs and social intrigue; for instance, it was the first newspaper to cover the romance between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII. The newspaper also made a name for itself in sports coverage, particularly of New York City teams.
As the New York cityscape changed, however, the Daily News struggled to adapt to a rapidly evolving media environment. The newspaper’s advertising revenue declined, and by the 1970s it was losing money. In addition, competition from free, full-color daily newsstand tabloids such as The New York Post increased.
The Daily News tried to diversify its offerings to appeal to a wider audience, including the introduction of weekly inserts, such as BET Weekend for African Americans and Caribbean Monthly for a Hispanic audience. Despite these efforts, the newspaper’s circulation continued to decline until it hit its lowest point in 1996.
Today, the Daily News has one of the biggest digital news sites in the country and is a top-rated app in both the iPhone and iPad apps stores. Its award-winning writers, columnists and opinion formers bring you news from New York and around the world. From Yankees and Mets to politics and the latest celebrity gossip, nobody covers New York like the Daily News. Download the latest editions for offline reading, and share stories with your friends through email and social media. It’s the best way to stay informed about what’s happening in the world’s greatest city — and all the important stuff that matters to you.