By Sahasra Sai Murtineni

Abstract

The journey of the newspaper from what once used to be the main source that provided the premise for quality conversation over worldly affairs to what is now sometimes a source for gossip filled debate. The companion of every person’s first cup of tea in the morning has witnessed much change. Be it the type of news reported today, the multiple avenues of reporting, the methods employed or simply the language used; a newspaper is an accurate reflection of civilization. The history of newspapers may be studied to track the different trends that rise and fall, not only in society, but also with respect to news reporting itself. Historically, two pivotal phases that played a transformative role in how news was created, consumed and distributed was the Penny Press of the early 19th century and Yellow Journalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The relationship between the news and its readers, along with shifts in public discourse, occur more due to the Penny Press and Yellow Journalism than they are credited for. 

The Penny Press: Birth of the Mass Media

In the early 1800s, the American newspaper industry was far from accessible, thus lacking  the ubiquitous presence it enjoys today. Newspapers were primarily the domain of the wealthy elite; they consisted of the market for mercantile newspapers which used to be distributed at high prices on a subscription basis that limited their reach. For the general public, news was often conveyed through word of mouth, letters, or other less formal channels. But in 1833, a dramatic shift took place with the introduction of the Penny Press, a new model of journalism that democratized the news in a way never before seen.

On September 3rd, 1833, newspaper boys accosted passers-by on the streets with a tiny, innocuous newspaper, The Sun, for sale for a penny, (one-sixth of the standard price) and by the copy instead of by subscription. As the chink of metal hitting metal grew louder with each added penny into the paperboys’ pockets and as the smell of freshly printed ink disseminated in the vicinity of the factory, neither the paperboys nor the owner of the paper knew that what was being propagated was revolution in broad daylight, Benjamin Day’s New York Sun was the first of its kind—a daily newspaper that sold for only one penny, making it affordable to the working class and even lower income classes. Instead of catering to the elite, the Penny Press aimed to provide content for the masses, and it succeeded. Day’s model was based on high circulation rather than high prices, meaning that even though the newspaper sold for a low price, it could make up for it with a larger customer base.

The content of these early papers was another departure from traditional news. No longer was news limited to the interests of the wealthy; the Penny Press focused on stories that were engaging and relevant to ordinary people. Crime, human interest stories, local events, and sensationalized accounts of accidents or scandals became staple fare. Day appreciated the value of impudence and mockery and so newspapers no longer relied on intellectual political commentary but instead began to capitalize on sensational news like divorce, seduction, crimes of violence, crimes of passion, and personal gossip. This distribution of information was crucial in influencing public opinion and empowering ordinary citizens to be more involved in public discourse, albeit for chatter.

Though the Penny Press is often credited with opening the doors to mass media, its impact was far more complex. On the one hand, it gave a voice to the underrepresented and made news available to a broader audience; on the other, it introduced an emphasis on the sensational and dramatic side, too. This marked the first step towards the world of sensational journalism, where grabbing attention became as important as informing the public. In fact, many of the techniques used by the Penny Press—such as catchy headlines, fast-paced reporting, and sensational content—would later evolve into the methods used by Yellow Journalism.

Yellow Journalism: The Dark Side of the Press

Just a few decades after the emergence of the Penny Press, newspapers took a darker turn with the rise of Yellow Journalism in the late 19th century. This period, characterized by sensationalism and exaggerated reporting, represented a phase in which newspapers, known to be a mirror of truth, became a tool of emotional manipulation. The term “Yellow Journalism” is often traced to the rivalry between two powerful newspaper magnates: William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.

The rivalry between Hearst’s New York Journal and Pulitzer’s New York World epitomized the era of Yellow Journalism. These two publishers engaged in an aggressive battle for readership, using eye-catching headlines, lurid tales, and shocking imagery to attract attention. The newspapers were filled with staggering stories—often embellished or even fabricated—in order to sell more copies. One of the most famous examples of Yellow Journalism was the coverage of the Spanish-American War. Hearst’s New York Journal played a major role in fanning the flames of public support for the war by publishing exaggerated reports of Spanish atrocities in Cuba, most notably the alleged bombing of the U.S. battleship Maine. In the words of the media mogul who was willing to go to the extent of manipulating public sentiment for profits and influence, “You furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war”. 

Headlines became larger, language became more provocative, stories became scandalous, characters were introduced flamboyantly, illustrative photographs and macabre illustrations were added and all of a sudden the news was headed in the direction of a literary spectacle and a play rather than an information disposing platform. 

What made Yellow Journalism so effective—and often harmful—was its ability to blur the lines between fact and fiction. The sensationalized stories were presented in such a dramatic way that it was often difficult for readers to discern truth from embellishment. Even when the stories were based on real events, they were frequently distorted to provoke strong emotions. Public outrage, not accuracy, became the currency of journalism. 

The impact of Yellow Journalism on American society was profound. Newspapers played an outsized role in shaping public opinion, especially during moments of political and social upheaval. While it gave the press power to influence the masses, it also eroded the public’s trust in journalism. The consequences of this trend would resonate for decades, as later generations of journalists would be forced to balance the need for sensational headlines with the responsibility of delivering accurate news.

The Legacy of the Penny Press and Yellow Journalism

The impact of the Penny Press and Yellow Journalism on modern media cannot be overstated. On one hand, the Penny Press helped establish the idea of newspapers as mass-market commodities, driven by circulation and the need to attract broad audiences. It shifted the focus of journalism from elite political commentary to popular entertainment and scandal, a trend that remains with us today. The sheer accessibility of news, which began with the Penny Press, laid the groundwork for the modern news industry, where readers expect 24/7 coverage and immediate access to breaking stories.

On the other hand, Yellow Journalism demonstrated the dangers of sensationalism and the manipulation of the press. The ethics of journalism were called into question, and the public’s trust in the media was severely shaken. The legacy of Yellow Journalism is still felt today in the age of clickbait, fake news, and viral headlines. The pursuit of sensational stories at the expense of truth continues to plague modern news reporting, particularly with the rise of digital platforms and social media, where speed often trumps accuracy.

Conclusion

The history of newspapers is a story of both progress and peril. From the democratization of news through the Penny Press to the ethically fraught but highly influential era of Yellow Journalism, the press has constantly evolved in response to the demands of the public, the pressures of competition, and the lure of profit. These changes in the media landscape reflect deeper shifts in society itself—shifts that have shaped the way we view the world and, in turn, how the world views us.

As we move forward, the role of newspapers continues to evolve. Digital media, social platforms, and citizen journalism are all reshaping the way we consume news, creating a new paradigm that reflects both the legacy of the Penny Press and the pitfalls of Yellow Journalism. The question, then, is not only how we navigate these changes, but also how we ensure that the press remains a trusted and vital source of information—one that empowers society rather than simply panders to it.

As we move forward, the role of newspapers continues to evolve. Digital media, social platforms, and citizen journalism are all reshaping the way we consume news, creating a new paradigm that reflects both the legacy of the Penny Press and the pitfalls of Yellow Journalism. The question, then, is not only how we navigate these changes, but also how we ensure that the press remains a trusted and vital source of information—one that empowers society rather than simply panders to it.

About the Author

Sahasra is a sophomore at O.P Jindal Global University, currently pursuing her undergraduate studies in Law. With a background in science, she is deeply interested in exploring the intersections between law and scientific disciplines. She is constantly seeking to uncover new areas of interest and expand her understanding of how different fields converge in the legal realm.

Picture credits: https://www.thoughtco.com/penny-press-definition-1773293