Penny press

Definition

The penny press refers to a type of inexpensive, mass-produced newspaper that emerged in the early 19th century, making news accessible to the general public. It transformed journalism by emphasizing sensationalism and human interest stories, allowing for a wider readership and fostering an environment where political issues were more widely discussed among ordinary citizens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The penny press began in the 1830s, with newspapers costing only a penny, thus broadening the audience significantly beyond the wealthy elite.
2. This new form of journalism often focused on crime, scandals, and human interest stories, which attracted large numbers of readers and increased circulation.
3. Key figures in the penny press movement included Benjamin Day with 'The Sun' and James Gordon Bennett with 'The New York Herald', who innovated marketing strategies to boost sales.
4. Penny press newspapers utilized advertising as a primary revenue source, allowing them to keep prices low while expanding their reach.
5. The rise of the penny press laid the groundwork for future developments in journalism by encouraging more interactive relationships between newspapers and their readers.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of the penny press change the landscape of journalism in terms of audience engagement and content focus?
  • The introduction of the penny press significantly changed journalism by making news affordable for the general public, which expanded readership beyond just the wealthy elite. This shift encouraged newspapers to focus on sensationalist content, human interest stories, and local news that resonated with everyday people. As a result, there was a notable increase in public discussion about political issues and societal events, making journalism more relevant to a broader audience.
• Discuss the economic model of penny press newspapers and its impact on journalistic practices during its rise.
  • The economic model of penny press newspapers relied heavily on advertising revenue rather than subscriptions, which allowed them to sell at a lower price point. This shift not only increased circulation but also incentivized publishers to produce content that attracted more readers, often leading to sensationalism and a focus on entertainment over hard news. As a result, journalistic practices evolved to prioritize engaging stories that could captivate a mass audience.
• Evaluate how the characteristics of penny press journalism influenced modern news media's approach to political reporting.
  • Penny press journalism set a precedent for modern news media by highlighting the importance of accessibility and engagement with a wider audience. The focus on sensationalism and human interest stories established a trend that continues today, where news outlets often prioritize eye-catching headlines and relatable content to draw readers in. Furthermore, the reliance on advertising as a revenue source has persisted in contemporary media practices, shaping how political reporting is framed and delivered to maintain audience interest.

Related terms

Yellow Journalism: A style of journalism that emphasizes sensationalism and exaggeration to attract readers, often at the expense of factual accuracy.

Muckraking: Investigative journalism aimed at exposing social ills and corruption, often leading to public outcry and reforms.

Newsprint: A low-cost paper used for printing newspapers, contributing to the affordability of the penny press.