Daily News: A History of New York's Iconic Tabloid
The Daily News stands as a cornerstone of New York City journalism, known for its bold photography, intense local coverage, and the compact tabloid format that once revolutionized how commuters consumed news. From its inception as a bold experiment in the early 20th century to its navigation of the digital age, the paper has mirrored the evolution of the city it covers.
The Birth of the Illustrated Daily News
The publication was founded by Joseph Medill Patterson and his cousin Robert R. McCormick, both co-publishers of the Chicago Tribune and grandsons of its founder, Joseph Medill. Following a meeting in Paris where the two disagreed on the editorial direction of their Chicago paper, they decided that Patterson would launch a new Tribune-owned venture in New York.
Inspired by the success of the British Daily Mirror and after consulting with its publisher, Alfred Harmsworth (Viscount Northcliffe), Patterson embraced the tabloid format—a smaller, more compact page size. On June 24, 1919, the paper debuted as the Illustrated Daily News.
Growth and the Golden Age of Circulation
Success did not arrive overnight. By August 1919, circulation had dipped to 26,625. However, the tabloid format proved ideal for New York's subway commuters, who found it easier to handle than traditional broadsheets. This practicality fueled a rapid ascent: circulation surpassed 100,000 by June 1920 and exceeded one million by 1925.
The paper reached its zenith in 1947, boasting a massive daily circulation of 2.4 million and 4.7 million on Sundays. To maintain this momentum, the paper leaned into its visual identity, adopting the slogan "New York's Picture Newspaper" from 1920 to 1991 and incorporating a camera into its logo from the very beginning.
Innovation in Reporting and Media
The Daily News was a pioneer in both technology and diversity. In 1942, it became one of the first New York City newspapers to hire a woman as a staff photographer, Evelyn Straus. To speed up news gathering, the paper utilized a fleet of "radio cars" equipped with two-way radios operating on 173.3250 MHz (radio station KEA 871), allowing the assignment desk to communicate instantly with reporters in the field.
Beyond print, the organization expanded into broadcasting. In 1948, it established WPIX (Channel 11), and later acquired what became WFAN-FM. While the television station became a full Tribune property in 1991, the radio station was sold to Emmis Communications in 1997.
Editorial Excellence and Sports Coverage
The paper became renowned for its sports section, featuring the work of prominent cartoonists such as Bill Gallo, Bruce Stark, and Ed Murawinski. Other notable contributors included columnist Walter Kaner and editorial cartoonist C. D. Batchelor.
Financial Turmoil and Ownership Shifts
The latter half of the 20th century brought significant instability. The paper survived a multi-union strike from August to November 1978, which shut down all three major New York City newspapers. It also faced near-bankruptcy in 1982 and again in the early 1990s.
During the 1991 crisis, millionaire Robert Maxwell provided financial aid. Following his death later that year, the paper entered bankruptcy and was held together by management led by editor James Willse. In 1993, Mort Zuckerman purchased the publication.
In 2017, Tronc (now Tribune Publishing) acquired the Daily News for $1, assuming its operational and pension liabilities. This era was marked by severe austerity, including the 2018 firing of half the editorial staff and the 2020 closure of its Lower Manhattan newsroom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Modern Era
In May 2021, Alden Global Capital acquired Tribune Publishing, transferring the Daily News to a separate entity called Daily News Enterprises. This transition saw further staff reductions; in early 2022, one-fifth of the newsroom resigned within a three-month window. The paper continues to operate, though it has moved away from borough-specific bureaus, which were discontinued in 2015.
Key Facts
- Founded: June 24, 1919, as the Illustrated Daily News.
- Peak Circulation: 2.4 million daily and 4.7 million Sunday (1947).
- First Female Staff Photographer: Evelyn Straus, hired in 1942.
- Broadcasting: Founded WPIX (Channel 11) in 1948.
- Current Owner: Daily News Enterprises (owned by Alden Global Capital).
| Era/Year | Key Event/Status | Ownership/Leadership |
|---|---|---|
| 1919 | Launch as Illustrated Daily News | Patterson & McCormick |
| 1947 | Peak Circulation reached | Tribune Company |
| 1993 | Acquisition by Mort Zuckerman | Mort Zuckerman |
| 2017 | Acquired for $1 | Tronc (Tribune Publishing) |
| 2021 | Transfer to Daily News Enterprises | Alden Global Capital |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Daily News founded in a tabloid format?
Joseph Medill Patterson was impressed by the success of the British Daily Mirror and recognized that the smaller tabloid size was more convenient for New York City subway commuters.
What was the significance of the "New York's Picture Newspaper" slogan?
Used from 1920 to 1991, the slogan highlighted the paper's heavy emphasis on photography, a core part of its identity that is still reflected in its use of large, prominent images today.
Did the Daily News ever own television or radio stations?
Yes, the paper established WPIX (Channel 11) in 1948 and owned a radio station that eventually became WFAN-FM.
How did the paper survive the early 1990s financial crisis?
After receiving temporary aid from Robert Maxwell, the paper entered bankruptcy. It was kept operational by management led by James Willse before being purchased by Mort Zuckerman in 1993.
What happened to the borough-specific news bureaus?
The Daily News previously maintained local bureaus in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, but these were discontinued in 2015.