The Daily News is a tabloid American newspaper founded in 1919 by Joseph Medill Patterson, who was the publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Taking a cue from the successful tabloid newspaper model in Chicago, Patterson decided to establish a paper in New York City that would have sensational stories, celebrity gossip and classified ads. The New York Daily News was the first newspaper to be printed in tabloid format and reached its peak circulation in 1947 at 2.4 million copies per day. It also became the first newspaper to have a color press.
The newspaper was a favorite with urban readers, who found the brassy pictorial coverage and sexy front pages appealing. Its success in the 1920s was due in large part to its exploitation of popular scandals and controversies, including the Teapot Dome Scandal and social intrigue such as the romance between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII that ultimately led to her abdication. It was also an early user of the Associated Press wirephoto service in the 1930s and employed a staff of photographers.
In addition to its sexy, sensational stories, the newspaper carried strong local news and sports coverage. It was an important source of information for New Yorkers, many of whom had no other access to city news outside of the newspaper. It also had a long-running feud with the more staid and reputable rival, The New York Post.
By the late 1970s, however, the newspaper had begun to lose its edge. Its circulation was down and it had lost ground to its even more sensational rival, The New York Post. In 1975, the News ran what would become one of its most famous headlines, screaming “FORD TO CITY: DROP DEAD!” This was in response to President Gerald Ford’s speech that same day vetoing a bankruptcy bailout for New York City.
As the newspaper struggled in the early 21st century, it made a series of big changes under its chairman and co-publisher Mortimer B. Zuckerman, who was determined to restore the Daily News to its former glory. It went back to its tabloid roots and even gave Republican senator Ted Cruz the middle finger in the Statue of Liberty’s hand while rehashing its most famous headline in the face of incoming president Donald Trump: “TRUMP TO THE WORLD: DROP DEAD!”
Daily News is a digital edition replica that can be read on your computer and/or mobile device. It features an easy-to-use interface and a host of innovative digital tools to enhance your reading experience. In addition, it offers a rich archive of newspapers dating back to the early 1900s. You can also choose to receive the Daily News in your inbox every morning for free. The Daily News E-dition is the most convenient and cost effective way to experience this great newspaper.