Founded in 1919, the Daily News is one of the oldest and largest newspapers in New York City. The newspaper is renowned for its bold journalism, commitment to New York City and engaging storytelling. The newspaper features breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, sports, entertainment and culture, as well as trendy stories and community news. It is owned by Tribune Publishing and is headquartered in New York City.
The newspaper was the first tabloid in the United States and reached its peak circulation in 1947, with 2.4 million copies sold a day. It is the 11th highest-circulated newspaper in the United States today. The newspaper is also known for its large and bold graphics, as well as its use of photography. In addition, it has been the inspiration for the fictional newspaper The Daily Planet in the Superman franchise.
In the early 20th century, the Daily News found an audience on New York City subway lines, where commuters appreciated its smaller, more convenient size. It was able to take advantage of the increased interest in sensational news, focusing on titillating stories and pictures. The newspaper was also able to capitalize on the public’s fascination with scandals and the British royal family, publishing photos of Wallis Simpson’s romance with King Edward VIII and the Teapot Dome Scandal.
By the end of the Roaring Twenties, the newspaper had a stable readership and was able to begin investing in expansion. It commissioned Raymond Hood and John Mead Howells, architects of the Chicago Tribune Tower a few years earlier, to design a 36-story, freestanding Art Deco building that would be the News Building. The News Building is regarded as one of the most distinctive buildings in the world and is featured prominently in the iconic opening scene of the 1978 film Superman.
During the Depression, the Daily News was among the few papers that were still profitable. It diversified its coverage with the addition of a social-class section, the Home Finance, and a series of weekly cartoons by George Reeves, which introduced the famous character Superman. The paper’s success attracted attention from national media outlets, which led to an increase in advertising revenue.
As the decades passed, the newspaper continued to prosper. However, the increasing popularity of television and the decline in sales of newspapers in general began to impact its readership. In the 1980s, the Daily News faced competition from the more sensational rival New York Post. The newspaper’s conservative polemics alienated some readers, and in later years it took on crusades against Mayor Rudy Giuliani and President Donald Trump, which may have contributed to its declining reputation for objectivity.
In the 21st century, it has reclaimed its position as one of New York’s most popular newspapers. It has reverted to its roots, using provocative headlines like “TRUMP TO THE WORLD: DROP DEAD” in 1975 and again in 2016. The newspaper’s massive coverage of the 2016 presidential election offered the opportunity for the News to reclaim its place as a top-selling news source.