The Daily News
A newspaper with a large circulation, often published daily. It usually includes a wide variety of stories from news, entertainment and sports to classified ads and comics, with intense city news coverage. It may also provide information on local government, politics and crime. It is an important medium for public affairs, announcing political developments and events, and providing a platform for debate on issues of social concern. It may also contain editorials and commentary. Usually regulated by national or provincial authorities. Also known as a tabloid.
Founded in 1919 as the Illustrated Daily News by Joseph Medill Patterson, it was the first successful tabloid newspaper in the United States and attracted readers with sensational coverage of crime and scandal, lurid photographs, and cartoons. Its newspaper building straddled the railroad tracks that led into Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan and was once one of the most impressive city landmarks.
In the 1920s and 1930s, it emphasized political wrongdoing, including such matters as the Teapot Dome Scandal and Wallis Simpson’s romance with King Edward VIII. It was an early user of the Associated Press wirephoto service and developed a large staff of photographers. In the 1940s and 1960s, it leaned strongly toward isolationism, but later shifted to a moderately liberal position. During this period it competed vigorously with the rival New York Post, which had been a Republican newspaper until the 1950s.
As the 102-year-old Daily News struggles to adapt to its new ownership by the hedge fund Alden Capital, employees have been subjected to a series of buyouts and layoffs. Many fear the paper’s future is in doubt and worry that its loss would be a blow to journalism in New York City and beyond. In the latest shake-up, the newspaper has ousted its top editor and trimmed its editorial department. The move is seen as a result of ruthless cost-cutting by the new owners.