Alexander Hamilton, the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury, did not die a hero of the Revolutionary War alone; he died with a newspaper in his pocket. In the autumn of 1801, Hamilton and a group of Federalist investors, including Robert Troup and Oliver Wolcott, gathered at Archibald Gracie's weekend villa to launch the New-York Evening Post. They were dismayed by the election of Thomas Jefferson and the rising popularity of the Democratic-Republican Party, so they poured about $10,000 into a broadsheet designed to counter the political tide. Hamilton chose William Coleman as the first editor, a man who would serve until his death in 1829. This was not merely a business venture; it was a political weapon forged by a Founding Father who believed that the survival of his party depended on a voice in the city. The paper began as a serious broadsheet, a stark contrast to the sensational tabloid it would become over two centuries later. Hamilton's vision was to create a respected institution that could influence the national agenda, a goal that would be realized in the 19th century under the stewardship of William Cullen Bryant. Bryant, an abolitionist and poet, elevated the paper to such heights that it received praise from the English philosopher John Stuart Mill in 1864. The paper became a platform for literary reviews and political editorials, with figures like William Leggett writing fierce opposition to central banking and support for labor unions. The early years were defined by a commitment to high-minded journalism, a far cry from the headlines that would later define the Post's reputation.
The Tabloid Transformation
The New York Evening Post was a respected broadsheet until the mid-20th century, when Dorothy Schiff decided to change its fate. In 1934, J. David Stern purchased the paper and changed its name to the New York Post, restoring its broadsheet size and liberal perspective. However, it was Schiff who truly reshaped the paper's identity. Her husband George Backer was named editor and publisher, and her second husband Ted Thackrey became co-publisher and co-editor in 1942. Together, they recast the newspaper into its modern-day tabloid format, a decision that would define its future. The paper became the only surviving afternoon daily in New York City, and its circulation grew by two-thirds under Schiff's tenure. The Post supported trade unions and social welfare, featuring popular columnists like Joseph Cookman, Drew Pearson, and Eleanor Roosevelt. The paper was seen as having a liberal tilt, a stark contrast to the conservative direction it would take decades later. In 1976, Australian media mogul Rupert Murdoch bought the Post from Schiff for $30.5 million, intending to transform it into a tabloid powerhouse. The paper's financial struggles were mounting, with rising operating costs and competition from radio and TV news cutting into profitability. The Post had lost money since 1976, and the tabloid format was a desperate attempt to survive in a changing media landscape. The shift from broadsheet to tabloid was not just a stylistic change; it was a fundamental reimagining of the paper's purpose and audience.Murdoch's Media Empire
Rupert Murdoch's acquisition of the New York Post in 1976 marked the beginning of a new era for the newspaper. The Australian media mogul imported the style of his Australian and British newspapers, such as The Sun, which remains one of the highest selling daily newspapers in the United Kingdom. This style, known as tabloid journalism, was characterized by famous headlines like Headless body in topless bar, written by Vincent Musetto. The Post became a vehicle for Murdoch's business interests, often avoiding subjects that could be unflattering to the government of the People's Republic of China, where Murdoch had invested heavily in satellite television. The paper was frequently criticized for sensationalism, blatant advocacy, and conservative bias. In 1980, the Columbia Journalism Review stated that the New York Post is no longer merely a journalistic problem. It is a social problem, a force for evil. The paper's circulation soared to a peak of 962,000, with a single-day record of 1.1 million on the 11th of August 1977, following the arrest of David Berkowitz, the infamous Son of Sam serial killer. The Post and the Daily News were locked in a bitter circulation war, with the Post often losing money, sometimes up to $70 million a year. The paper's relationship with Murdoch was complex, as he used it to belittle his business opponents and support political allies like Ronald Reagan and Edward I. Koch. The paper's editorial choices were often driven by Murdoch's business needs, leading to accusations of bias and a lack of credibility. The Post became a symbol of the tabloid era, with headlines that were both celebrated and condemned.Scandals and Controversies
The New York Post has been embroiled in numerous scandals and controversies since its tabloid transformation. In 1998, the paper settled a libel suit with Richard Jewell, a security guard wrongly suspected of being the Centennial Olympic Park bomber. The Post had published articles, headlines, photographs, and editorial cartoons that libeled him. In 2013, the paper inaccurately reported that twelve people had died in the Boston Marathon bombing and featured a full-page cover photo of two young men with the headline Bag Men, implying criminality. The men, Salaheddin Barhoum and Yassine Zaimi, were not considered suspects, and the Post was heavily criticized for the apparent accusation. The paper has also faced accusations of racism, including a 1989 article describing the Central Park Five as coming from a world of crack, welfare, guns, knives, indifference, and ignorance. In 2009, a cartoon by Sean Delonas compared President Barack Obama to a chimpanzee, which was criticized as racist. The paper has also been involved in false reporting, such as a 2020 story about Hunter Biden's laptop, which was based on flimsy reporting and lacked corroboration. The Post has been criticized for doxxing individuals, such as an emergency medical technician who made additional income from posting explicit photographs on OnlyFans. The paper's editorial choices have often been controversial, with headlines that have been described as vile and reprehensible. The Post has been accused of contorting its news coverage to suit Murdoch's business needs, leading to a reputation for sensationalism and bias.The Page Six Phenomenon
The New York Post's Page Six section, which began in 1977, has become one of the most influential gossip columns in the United States. Created by James Brady, it was famous for its blind items, which allowed the paper to publish stories without revealing the sources. Richard Johnson edited Page Six for 25 years before British journalist Emily Smith replaced him in 2009. In June 2022, Smith was replaced by her deputy, Ian Mohr. The section has been a source of both fame and controversy, with the paper publishing stories that have been criticized for their lack of accuracy and sensitivity. The Post has also launched a daily syndicated series known as Page Six TV, which aired from 2017 to 2019. The show was originally hosted by comedian John Fugelsang, with contributions from Page Six and Post writers. The section has been a source of revenue for the paper, with the Post launching Page Six Magazine in 2006. The section has also been a source of controversy, with the paper publishing stories that have been criticized for their lack of accuracy and sensitivity. The Post has been accused of using Page Six to promote its own interests, with stories that have been described as sensational and biased. The section has been a source of both fame and controversy, with the paper publishing stories that have been criticized for their lack of accuracy and sensitivity.The Digital Age and Decline
The New York Post has struggled to adapt to the digital age, with its circulation declining in the final years of the Schiff era. The paper launched an Internet version in 1996, and in 2014, it launched the website Decider to provide recommendations for streaming services. The Post's digital network reached approximately 198 million unique users in June 2022, compared to 123 million in the prior year. However, the paper has remained unprofitable since Murdoch first purchased it from Dorothy Schiff in 1976, and was on the brink of folding when Murdoch bought it back in 1993. The paper's circulation has fluctuated, with a peak of 962,000 in 1977 and a decline to 525,004 in 2010. The Post has been criticized for its lack of credibility, with a 2004 survey by Pace University rating it the least-credible major news outlet in New York. The paper has also been accused of using its digital platforms to promote its own interests, with stories that have been described as sensational and biased. The Post has been a source of controversy, with headlines that have been described as vile and reprehensible. The paper's relationship with Murdoch has been complex, as he used it to belittle his business opponents and support political allies. The paper's editorial choices have often been driven by Murdoch's business needs, leading to accusations of bias and a lack of credibility. The Post has been a symbol of the tabloid era, with headlines that have been both celebrated and condemned.Alexander Hamilton, the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury, did not die a hero of the Revolutionary War alone; he died with a newspaper in his pocket. In the autumn of 1801, Hamilton and a group of Federalist investors, including Robert Troup and Oliver Wolcott, gathered at Archibald Gracie's weekend villa to launch the New-York Evening Post. They were dismayed by the election of Thomas Jefferson and the rising popularity of the Democratic-Republican Party, so they poured about $10,000 into a broadsheet designed to counter the political tide. Hamilton chose William Coleman as the first editor, a man who would serve until his death in 1829. This was not merely a business venture; it was a political weapon forged by a Founding Father who believed that the survival of his party depended on a voice in the city. The paper began as a serious broadsheet, a stark contrast to the sensational tabloid it would become over two centuries later. Hamilton's vision was to create a respected institution that could influence the national agenda, a goal that would be realized in the 19th century under the stewardship of William Cullen Bryant. Bryant, an abolitionist and poet, elevated the paper to such heights that it received praise from the English philosopher John Stuart Mill in 1864. The paper became a platform for literary reviews and political editorials, with figures like William Leggett writing fierce opposition to central banking and support for labor unions. The early years were defined by a commitment to high-minded journalism, a far cry from the headlines that would later define the Post's reputation.
The Tabloid Transformation
The New York Evening Post was a respected broadsheet until the mid-20th century, when Dorothy Schiff decided to change its fate. In 1934, J. David Stern purchased the paper and changed its name to the New York Post, restoring its broadsheet size and liberal perspective. However, it was Schiff who truly reshaped the paper's identity. Her husband George Backer was named editor and publisher, and her second husband Ted Thackrey became co-publisher and co-editor in 1942. Together, they recast the newspaper into its modern-day tabloid format, a decision that would define its future. The paper became the only surviving afternoon daily in New York City, and its circulation grew by two-thirds under Schiff's tenure. The Post supported trade unions and social welfare, featuring popular columnists like Joseph Cookman, Drew Pearson, and Eleanor Roosevelt. The paper was seen as having a liberal tilt, a stark contrast to the conservative direction it would take decades later. In 1976, Australian media mogul Rupert Murdoch bought the Post from Schiff for $30.5 million, intending to transform it into a tabloid powerhouse. The paper's financial struggles were mounting, with rising operating costs and competition from radio and TV news cutting into profitability. The Post had lost money since 1976, and the tabloid format was a desperate attempt to survive in a changing media landscape. The shift from broadsheet to tabloid was not just a stylistic change; it was a fundamental reimagining of the paper's purpose and audience.
Murdoch's Media Empire
Rupert Murdoch's acquisition of the New York Post in 1976 marked the beginning of a new era for the newspaper. The Australian media mogul imported the style of his Australian and British newspapers, such as The Sun, which remains one of the highest selling daily newspapers in the United Kingdom. This style, known as tabloid journalism, was characterized by famous headlines like Headless body in topless bar, written by Vincent Musetto. The Post became a vehicle for Murdoch's business interests, often avoiding subjects that could be unflattering to the government of the People's Republic of China, where Murdoch had invested heavily in satellite television. The paper was frequently criticized for sensationalism, blatant advocacy, and conservative bias. In 1980, the Columbia Journalism Review stated that the New York Post is no longer merely a journalistic problem. It is a social problem, a force for evil. The paper's circulation soared to a peak of 962,000, with a single-day record of 1.1 million on the 11th of August 1977, following the arrest of David Berkowitz, the infamous Son of Sam serial killer. The Post and the Daily News were locked in a bitter circulation war, with the Post often losing money, sometimes up to $70 million a year. The paper's relationship with Murdoch was complex, as he used it to belittle his business opponents and support political allies like Ronald Reagan and Edward I. Koch. The paper's editorial choices were often driven by Murdoch's business needs, leading to accusations of bias and a lack of credibility. The Post became a symbol of the tabloid era, with headlines that were both celebrated and condemned.
Scandals and Controversies
The New York Post has been embroiled in numerous scandals and controversies since its tabloid transformation. In 1998, the paper settled a libel suit with Richard Jewell, a security guard wrongly suspected of being the Centennial Olympic Park bomber. The Post had published articles, headlines, photographs, and editorial cartoons that libeled him. In 2013, the paper inaccurately reported that twelve people had died in the Boston Marathon bombing and featured a full-page cover photo of two young men with the headline Bag Men, implying criminality. The men, Salaheddin Barhoum and Yassine Zaimi, were not considered suspects, and the Post was heavily criticized for the apparent accusation. The paper has also faced accusations of racism, including a 1989 article describing the Central Park Five as coming from a world of crack, welfare, guns, knives, indifference, and ignorance. In 2009, a cartoon by Sean Delonas compared President Barack Obama to a chimpanzee, which was criticized as racist. The paper has also been involved in false reporting, such as a 2020 story about Hunter Biden's laptop, which was based on flimsy reporting and lacked corroboration. The Post has been criticized for doxxing individuals, such as an emergency medical technician who made additional income from posting explicit photographs on OnlyFans. The paper's editorial choices have often been controversial, with headlines that have been described as vile and reprehensible. The Post has been accused of contorting its news coverage to suit Murdoch's business needs, leading to a reputation for sensationalism and bias.
The Page Six Phenomenon
The New York Post's Page Six section, which began in 1977, has become one of the most influential gossip columns in the United States. Created by James Brady, it was famous for its blind items, which allowed the paper to publish stories without revealing the sources. Richard Johnson edited Page Six for 25 years before British journalist Emily Smith replaced him in 2009. In June 2022, Smith was replaced by her deputy, Ian Mohr. The section has been a source of both fame and controversy, with the paper publishing stories that have been criticized for their lack of accuracy and sensitivity. The Post has also launched a daily syndicated series known as Page Six TV, which aired from 2017 to 2019. The show was originally hosted by comedian John Fugelsang, with contributions from Page Six and Post writers. The section has been a source of revenue for the paper, with the Post launching Page Six Magazine in 2006. The section has also been a source of controversy, with the paper publishing stories that have been criticized for their lack of accuracy and sensitivity. The Post has been accused of using Page Six to promote its own interests, with stories that have been described as sensational and biased. The section has been a source of both fame and controversy, with the paper publishing stories that have been criticized for their lack of accuracy and sensitivity.
The Digital Age and Decline
The New York Post has struggled to adapt to the digital age, with its circulation declining in the final years of the Schiff era. The paper launched an Internet version in 1996, and in 2014, it launched the website Decider to provide recommendations for streaming services. The Post's digital network reached approximately 198 million unique users in June 2022, compared to 123 million in the prior year. However, the paper has remained unprofitable since Murdoch first purchased it from Dorothy Schiff in 1976, and was on the brink of folding when Murdoch bought it back in 1993. The paper's circulation has fluctuated, with a peak of 962,000 in 1977 and a decline to 525,004 in 2010. The Post has been criticized for its lack of credibility, with a 2004 survey by Pace University rating it the least-credible major news outlet in New York. The paper has also been accused of using its digital platforms to promote its own interests, with stories that have been described as sensational and biased. The Post has been a source of controversy, with headlines that have been described as vile and reprehensible. The paper's relationship with Murdoch has been complex, as he used it to belittle his business opponents and support political allies. The paper's editorial choices have often been driven by Murdoch's business needs, leading to accusations of bias and a lack of credibility. The Post has been a symbol of the tabloid era, with headlines that have been both celebrated and condemned.