Penny Press

Definition

The penny press refers to a type of inexpensive newspaper that emerged in the early 19th century, typically sold for just one cent. This revolutionized the newspaper industry by making news accessible to the general public, allowing for a wider readership and the rise of sensational journalism. The penny press played a crucial role in shaping the development of sports journalism by covering sporting events and popular culture with a focus on engaging stories that appealed to everyday readers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The penny press began in the 1830s with newspapers like the New York Sun and the New York Herald, which catered to a growing literate middle class.
2. These newspapers relied on advertising revenue rather than subscriptions, enabling them to keep prices low and reach a larger audience.
3. Sports journalism was significantly impacted by the penny press as it began covering local sporting events, making sports more popular and accessible to the public.
4. The style of writing in penny press newspapers was often direct and engaging, aiming to draw in readers with exciting stories and relatable content.
5. The rise of the penny press marked a shift in journalism towards more democratic practices, allowing for diverse voices and opinions to be represented in the media.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of the penny press influence the style and content of early sports journalism?
  • The penny press brought about a shift in how sports journalism was practiced by focusing on engaging stories that appealed to the common reader. This approach made sports more relatable and accessible, as newspapers began covering local events and athletes' personal lives. As a result, sports reporting became more sensationalized, which helped popularize various sports among the general public and created a demand for regular updates and coverage.
• Analyze the economic model of the penny press and its effects on the development of journalistic practices during its time.
  • The economic model of the penny press relied heavily on advertising rather than subscription fees, which allowed newspapers to sell for just one cent. This model incentivized publishers to attract large audiences by prioritizing sensational content that drew readers in. Consequently, journalistic practices evolved to focus on storytelling techniques and catchy headlines, leading to an increase in sensationalism and a departure from traditional reporting standards.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the penny press on contemporary media practices in sports journalism.
  • The penny press laid the groundwork for modern sports journalism by establishing key practices such as sensational storytelling, audience engagement, and widespread coverage of events. Its influence can be seen today in various media formats, including online articles and social media platforms where attention-grabbing headlines are crucial. The accessibility brought about by the penny press also fostered an environment where diverse voices can be represented, continuing to shape how sports are reported and consumed in contemporary society.

Related terms

Sensationalism: A style of journalism that emphasizes shocking or exciting stories, often prioritizing entertainment value over factual accuracy.

Yellow Journalism: A type of journalism that uses sensational headlines and exaggerated stories to attract attention, often at the expense of real news coverage.

Tabloid: A smaller-format newspaper that often focuses on sensational news, gossip, and celebrity stories, typically using eye-catching headlines and images.