Founded in 1919, the New York Daily News was the first tabloid newspaper published in the United States. It reached its peak in circulation during the late 1940s, selling 2 million copies a day on weekdays and 3 million on Sundays. At the time, it was the largest-circulation paper in the country and arguably the most influential newspaper of its day. Today, it is owned by Tribune Publishing and based in Chicago.
The News’s editorial viewpoints and coverage choices often leaned left, even at the height of its popularity. Its coverage of social issues, especially blacks and Latinos, reflected a deep vein of populism and ethnonationalism that tapped into the ethos of the working class. The News embraced its nickname as “the Tiger Paper” and vowed to fight like a tiger for the interests of its readers.
After World War II, the News shifted from breezy entertainment and escapist fare to an emphasis on national politics. Founder Joseph Medill Patterson believed that Americans were no longer interested in playboys and divorces but wanted to know how they could be sure of “how to eat” and whether the nation’s government was doing enough to assure their well-being and that of other citizens.
In addition to political coverage, the News also focused on social issues and a sardonic sense of humor. The “Voice of the People” columns drew heavily from letters submitted by readers. One such letter, published on December 10, 1965, applauded a lynching. Other Voice of the People letters expressed a wariness or resentment toward non-whites.
The Daily News has a long history of anti-Semitism, dating back to its early years when it featured a cartoon depicting Jewish gangsters invading an American city. This anti-Semitism increased in intensity after World War II, and in 1945 the News ran an article accusing President George S. Patton of firing a top general because of his alleged ties to “Jewish power.”
The Daily News has been criticized for its anti-Semitism and its sardonic sense of humor. The News has been described as a “smart, fast-paced, sneering little monster.” Nevertheless, the Daily News has maintained a loyal readership. According to Ad Fontes Media, the News is classified as Skewed Left and Generally Reliable/Analysis OR Other Issues in terms of bias. It is also rated as a High quality source of news and information. Its website features local and international news, as well as sports and entertainment. The site offers a daily news summary and an archive of past articles. In addition, it has a search function that allows users to find specific stories by date and topic. It also features photos and links to related content. The Daily News is available online and in print. It also includes a blog and a mobile application. The website offers various subscriptions, including a free daily newsletter. Subscribers can also get access to the weekly magazine in print and digital versions. The Weekly is a curated source of news from around the world, and provides concise, twice-daily news digests and an archive of articles.