The New York Daily News is an American newspaper founded in 1919. It is based in the city of New York and is one of the most famous newspapers in the United States. The paper is known for its sensational headlines and is often seen as a satire of traditional journalism. The paper is also well-known for its sports coverage and New York City exclusives. Its award-winning writers and columnists cover the latest local news, politics, and gossip. Moreover, the paper is home to some of the most talented and creative cartoonists in the world.
The Daily News was first published as a tabloid in 1919, and quickly became one of the country’s most popular papers. Its success is largely attributed to its sensational and titillating content and its smaller size, making it easy for commuters on the subway to carry and read. The newspaper’s success in the Roaring Twenties was compounded by its emphasis on political wrongdoing, such as the Teapot Dome Scandal, and social intrigue, such as Wallis Simpson’s affair with King Edward VIII that led to his abdication. The News was an early adopter of the Associated Press wirephoto service, and its massive photo staff made it an industry leader.
As the newspaper grew, it expanded its reach beyond the New York metropolitan area, with offices in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. It also opened a radio station, WPIX, whose call letters were based on its nickname of “New York’s Picture Newspaper.” The News was one of the first to use television to enhance its circulation, and at its peak, had a total of five television stations and two FM simulcasts.
In the 21st century, the Daily News has struggled to compete with its rivals and keep up with the growing popularity of online media. In 1975, the Daily News rolled out its most famous headline with what was then considered an outrageously inflammatory screamer: “FORD TO CITY: DROP DEAD.” The paper would later identify this as a key reason behind its 1976 loss to Jimmy Carter.
While the News continued to be a major player in the newspaper business, it struggled to maintain its circulation figures. In 1978, a multi-union strike crippled the paper and drove readership numbers down. In 1991, the Tribune Company sold the Daily News to Mort Zuckerman, who was able to secure contracts with the paper’s ten unions.
Today, the Daily News is still a major player in the media industry and is one of the few remaining tabloids with national scope. In 2017, the newspaper’s circulation was around 800,000 copies per day, though it is far below its mid-20th century heyday. In 2018, the paper was acquired by Tronc, who subsequently fired half of its editorial staff. The Daily News remains an important source of local and New York-centric news, and its satirical tone continues to influence other publications. Its iconic logo, which features the Statue of Liberty’s hand reaching out to grab a headline, has become an emblem of New York culture and style.