The Daily News is a newspaper published in New York City. It is the oldest and most widely distributed tabloid newspaper in the United States, reaching a circulation peak of more than 2 million copies a day at its height in the early 1950s. It is known for sensational coverage of crime and other social issues, lurid photographs, and celebrity gossip. It also contains political coverage, New York-exclusives and national and international news, sports, and entertainment coverage.
In addition to reporting the news, some journalists interpret it and offer their opinions and analysis. This role is most commonly found in the television and radio broadcasting industries, but can also be found in print newspapers, websites, and other media outlets. In the past, reporters often traveled to places to record their stories or listened to telephone calls from sources they had interviewed. Nowadays, the vast majority of reports are filed electronically and compiled by journalists (in the U.S.) or sub-editors (in Europe) at the newspaper’s news desk, usually without ever having been personally recorded by the reporter or written by the writer.
When local news dies, communities experience a profound loss of public information and an increase in social isolation. Andrew Conte’s deeply reported and persuasive Death of the Daily News examines what happens when a major newspaper fails in a small town, the effects it has on those left behind, and the ways that citizens are attempting to fill the gaps created by the death of traditional journalism.
In recent years, independent news sources have emerged that report on events and topics that are neglected by the mainstream media, such as smaller regional elections, local government and business affairs, and minority and women’s issues. The internet has enabled these news sources to reach a wider audience, but many of them struggle to make a profit from their work.
In the 21st century, newspapers and other media are struggling to survive the decline in advertising revenue due to the rise of the internet and social media. In an attempt to attract readers, they are increasingly using online technology and adopting a more visual format. This shift has led to many newspaper companies shutting down, and the number of “news deserts” in America continues to grow. While some have argued that local journalism is not important, others have pointed to its many benefits and the dangers of a dearth of it. This book provides valuable clues about what happens when local journalism fails and how it can be revived. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the future of the media and our democracy.