The Evolution of Newspapers: From Penny Press to Mass Media Kings
Newspapers became the dominant mass media for over a century, shaping national policies through widespread ownership. The New York Sun, launched by Ben Day in 1833, revolutionized the industry by lowering prices and introducing sensational stories, leading to soaring circulation and independence from political affiliations. James Gordon Bennett’s New York Herald and Henry Jarvis Raymond’s New York Times further transformed news reporting. By targeting different audiences and prioritizing sensationalism and international coverage, these papers laid the groundwork for modern journalism and advertising revenue.
The Evolution of Newspapers: From Penny Press to Mass Media Kings
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Presentation Transcript
Newspapers • Became the dominant Mass Media for more than a century • The first medium where mass ownership led to powerful media that could affect national policy • Gave people something to put on the bottom of their bird cages
Ben Day – Published the first successful Penny Press Newspaper-1833. Lowered price of the New York Sun-- to …guess what price? Also was the first to use lithograph prints to run illustrations in his paper. He first used a print by Nathaniel Currier (later famous as part of Currier and Ives Co.). Circulation rose quickly - to 30,000 Newspapers become MASS MEDIA KINGS
New York Sun • Targeted factory workers • 1 cent instead of 6 cents • Featured stories about crime, violence, murders, fires, executions and other sensational subjects • Hired newsboys to sell the paper on the streets
How The New York Sun Changed Newspapers • Large audience (10,000 by end of first year) made it attractive to advertisers • Advertising revenue made the Sun independent • Until now newspapers owed allegiance to mercantile class or political parties
James Gordon Bennett 1795-1892 Published The New York Herald -- 1835. Used sensationalism –published stories featuring crime, lurid disasters along with national and international news. Politically independent. http://elections.harpweek.com/2biographies/bio-1860-Full.asp?UniqueID=2&Year=1860
Henry Jarvis Raymond— The New York Times. 1851 “I won’t publish a paper that won’t soil the breakfast linen” • Features: • Strong International Coverage – hires foreign correspondents. (Modeled after London Times). • Targets more sophisticated reader
Horace Greeley 1811-1872 • Contributions • Anti-slavery activist • Refined use of editorial • Social reformer Established New York Tribune 1841 Famous quote: “Go West young man”
