Founded in 1919, Daily News is the first successful tabloid newspaper in the United States. Originally the Illustrated Daily News, the paper appealed to readers with large photographs and sensational stories of crime, scandal, and violence, as well as reader contests, cartoon strips and other entertainment features. The News quickly became New York City’s biggest newspaper and attracted a growing national audience. The Daily News is also known for being the first newspaper to make a profit in the United States.
The paper has a reputation for being a champion of the First Amendment and for protecting the rights of New York City residents, especially those who might otherwise go unheard. It has won numerous Pulitzer Prizes for commentary and reporting, including a 1996 prize for E.R. Shipp’s work on social issues, and in 1998 for Mike McAlary’s coverage of police brutality against Haitian immigrant Abner Louima.
During the 1970s, the News took a bold step toward political correctness by changing its slogan to “The Eyes, the Ears, the Honest Voice of New York.” The move marked a shift away from the paper’s previously staunchly conservative stance and was intended to reflect the diversity of the city it served.
In the early 21st century, the Daily News suffered from declining circulation and an increasingly digital world. In 2016, it was reported that the News had lost half a million readers. In an effort to revitalize the paper, in 2017 the Daily News relaunched its print edition with an expanded editorial staff, new reporters and writers, and a more focused editorial vision. Its revival was largely inspired by a desire to capitalize on the public’s intense interest in the upcoming presidential election.
While the Daily News has experienced some success in recent years, it remains unclear whether it can maintain this momentum in the face of ever-growing competition from online media and a decline in its traditional readership.
Each article contains comprehension and critical thinking questions that students can use to analyze the story. “Background” and “Resources” are included below the questions to give students a deeper understanding of each news event.
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