Daily news is an important part of the news ecosystem, informing Americans about events in their local communities and national and international affairs. The newspaper industry has been struggling to adapt to changes in the ways Americans consume news, however, with print circulation declining and website traffic stagnating. This fact sheet explores patterns and longitudinal data on daily newspaper audience reach.
Founded in 1919, the New York Daily News bills itself as “New York’s Hometown Newspaper.” It has been known over the years for zesty headlines—perhaps most famously, the 1975 screamer, “Ford to City: Drop Dead,” during the financial crisis—gossip and city coverage and a host of star columnists such as Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill. The News has also won numerous Pulitzer Prizes, including this year’s for a joint project with ProPublica exposing how city officials used obscure laws to evict poor minority residents from their homes. The News has long struggled with its muscular hometown tabloid rival, the New York Post, which had more than double the News’s circulation in the mid-20th century. It also has grappled with the shifts in news consumption and advertising that have affected newspapers across the country.
The paper was originally called the Illustrated Daily News, but changed its name in 1923 to avoid confusion with another newspaper of the same name. It was established by Cornelius Vanderbilt IV as the first of several newspapers he wanted to manage, but went into receivership quickly and was sold to Manchester Boddy, who operated it through most of its existence. The News leaned heavily toward politics and had a Democratic perspective at a time when most newspapers supported Republicans. During the Depression and World War II, the Daily News became one of the nation’s most profitable papers and continued to publish daily in addition to weekly and monthly editions. The Paper moved to its current headquarters in 1995, a building designed by architects John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood. It is now a historic landmark and the home of a former News subsidiary, WPIX-TV. Today, the New York Daily News remains one of America’s most popular newspapers. Its digital edition is available across multiple platforms, with a mobile app providing a more convenient and interactive experience. The app offers easy navigation between different sections of the newspaper and allows readers to download articles for offline reading. It also provides the option to share stories with friends. The Daily News has also won a number of awards for its journalism and design. The newspaper’s editorial staff has been recognized for its leadership in the field of investigative reporting and in identifying the potential of technology to inform citizens and drive policy. In addition, the paper has been honored for its role in shaping public opinion and the cultural landscape. The Daily News has a long history of highlighting sexual abuse, domestic violence, and human rights issues. Its journalists have been credited with advancing the civil rights movement and increasing women’s equality.