A daily newspaper is a periodical publication printed on paper and distributed to readers on a regular basis. Traditionally, daily newspapers cover national and international news stories and events. They may also include sports and other local news, editorials, classified ads, comics and a variety of other sections. In addition, some daily newspapers focus on certain groups of readers based on interest rather than location. These may include business audiences (e.g. The Wall Street Journal) or sports audiences (e.g. The New York Times or ESPN).
While most people consume daily news through television and the internet, many still read newspapers and magazines. In fact, the average American reads three to five articles in a week from a print newspaper or magazine, according to the Alliance for Audited Media. This is a much higher rate than in the past, as more people have shifted to digital media.
The history of the daily newspaper began in early modern Europe, where increased cross-border interaction created a need for rapid dissemination of political and economic news. In 1556, the Venetian government started publishing concise handwritten news-sheets known as notizie scritte or “avvisi” which cost one gazetta, a small coin. While these did not meet the classical criteria for a newspaper, they inspired similar publications throughout the world.
In its 20th-century heyday, The Daily News was a brawny metro tabloid that thrived on crime and corruption stories. It served as the model for The Daily Planet in the Superman movies, and its reporters won Pulitzer Prizes for commentary and investigative journalism. The News also was known for its bold front-page photographs, intense city news coverage and celebrity gossip.
By the end of the 1920s, the News had a market penetration of 123 percent in its metropolitan area. At this point, the newspaper industry was consolidating. The News merged with its competitor, The Morning Leader, in 1912 and eventually disappeared in 1928 under further consolidation.
As printing became cheaper and easier, the number of daily newspapers rose around the world, accompanied by greater specialization in topics covered and audience reach. Today, there are thousands of daily newspapers in the world, ranging from major national and international titles to smaller regional publications.
In the United States, there are several daily newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. There are also regional and specialty publications, such as regional travel guides and lifestyles, sports, business, or religion-based newspapers. In addition, there are some weekly papers that target a specific group of readers, such as the local gay community or indie rock enthusiasts. For example, the Yale Daily News publishes a weekly section called WEEKEND and a series of special issues during the academic year celebrating its indigenous, black, AAPI and Latinx communities in partnership with campus cultural centers and affiliated student groups. Additionally, The Yale Daily News is the nation’s oldest college daily newspaper. It is published Monday through Friday during the academic year and serves Yale and New Haven, Connecticut.
