VOL. XVII, NO. 10
MARCH 26, 1976
History Affects Newspaper
By DAVE JOHNSON
Newspapers, such as The New York Journal and Advertiser, were printing stories which, although were greatly exaggerated, were widely read. This money‑making idea called yellow journalism, invented by money hungry publishers to increase profits, would spark the entire nation into a frenzy in only 20 years.
During the 1880's wireless telegraphs would come into existence, spreading news across the ocean faster than ever. This decade also saw the invention of the special Sunday edition of a newspaper. For five to eight cents, anyone could pick up an issue and read color comics, sports, features, and something for every member of the family.
The 1890's and early 1900's saw the first use of photos in newspapers. In 1898 the press was largely responsible for the national reaction to the battleship Maine incident. According to The New York Journal, the Maine was blown up by a Spanish mine; and that paper offered rewards of $50,000 for information about the guilty party. Although sales of papers increased and the United States went to war against Spain, the mystery of who did it remains today.
During the latter part of the last century, a new style of newswriting called the inverted pyramid was used. Before this style was invented, people used to read column after column before they got to the main point.
With this new style, people on the go could find the main point of the story in the first couple of sentences and then go on from there if they wished. Another change, which made money, was the first use of banner headlines.
They caught the reader's eye. Along with giving important details in one line, the banner headline made the paper look better. As the early twentieth century progressed, headlines grew in size.
Newspapers, such as The New York Journal and Advertiser, were printing stories which, although were greatly exaggerated, were widely read. This money‑making idea called yellow journalism, invented by money hungry publishers to increase profits, would spark the entire nation into a frenzy in only 20 years.
During the 1880's wireless telegraphs would come into existence, spreading news across the ocean faster than ever. This decade also saw the invention of the special Sunday edition of a newspaper. For five to eight cents, anyone could pick up an issue and read color comics, sports, features, and something for every member of the family.
The 1890's and early 1900's saw the first use of photos in newspapers. In 1898 the press was largely responsible for the national reaction to the battleship Maine incident. According to The New York Journal, the Maine was blown up by a Spanish mine; and that paper offered rewards of $50,000 for information about the guilty party. Although sales of papers increased and the United States went to war against Spain, the mystery of who did it remains today.
During the latter part of the last century, a new style of newswriting called the inverted pyramid was used. Before this style was invented, people used to read column after column before they got to the main point.
With this new style, people on the go could find the main point of the story in the first couple of sentences and then go on from there if they wished. Another change, which made money, was the first use of banner headlines.
They caught the reader's eye. Along with giving important details in one line, the banner headline made the paper look better. As the early twentieth century progressed, headlines grew in size.
As electricity grew more important, the newspaper offices themselves were able to give the news. In 1918, after World War I ended, Chicagoans were roused, not by newsboys yelling, "Extra! Extra!" but by sirens atop Tribune Tower wailing out the good news.
As people awoke to the sirens, the Tribune sent newsboys out with extra editions, so people could read the information. A few years ago, in downtown Chicago, at the corner of State and Randolph, Life magazine owned an electric sign which displayed the news in a straight moving line such as a stock ticker. This, however, is no longer in use. A similar device is still used in Times Square at the former Times Building.
The 20's saw great prosperity and then total failure as the depression hit. During the 20's people still relied on their newspapers for information, but radio grew more important.
During the depression, the newspaper downturn began. Radio could tell the news faster than the newspaper could print it; and except for the overall electric bill, it cost nothing to listen to the radio. The downturn was slow during World War II because people on the go still depended on newspapers for war information.
The newspaper's big downturn began in 1946, as the effects of war wore off. Television came into wide use, and now people could see as well as hear the news. Also, newspaper costs were going up to three, four, then five cents by 1948.
Papers from about 1950 through today are regarded as sources of information, but most are used as sources of records for use in the future. Features and depth reporting now sell newspapers.
Newspapers, although no longer the fastest source of information, are still quick to deliver the news. Today there are bi- and tri-daily editions, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening editions of The Chicago Tribune.
The type is now set electronically, using a photo‑type system; and once the huge presses begin rolling, they are not stopped. If a very vital story comes in while the presses are rolling, it's saved for the next edition. Because of this method, and the tn‑daily editions, progress has done away with the extra edition.
As people awoke to the sirens, the Tribune sent newsboys out with extra editions, so people could read the information. A few years ago, in downtown Chicago, at the corner of State and Randolph, Life magazine owned an electric sign which displayed the news in a straight moving line such as a stock ticker. This, however, is no longer in use. A similar device is still used in Times Square at the former Times Building.
The 20's saw great prosperity and then total failure as the depression hit. During the 20's people still relied on their newspapers for information, but radio grew more important.
During the depression, the newspaper downturn began. Radio could tell the news faster than the newspaper could print it; and except for the overall electric bill, it cost nothing to listen to the radio. The downturn was slow during World War II because people on the go still depended on newspapers for war information.
The newspaper's big downturn began in 1946, as the effects of war wore off. Television came into wide use, and now people could see as well as hear the news. Also, newspaper costs were going up to three, four, then five cents by 1948.
Papers from about 1950 through today are regarded as sources of information, but most are used as sources of records for use in the future. Features and depth reporting now sell newspapers.
Newspapers, although no longer the fastest source of information, are still quick to deliver the news. Today there are bi- and tri-daily editions, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening editions of The Chicago Tribune.
The type is now set electronically, using a photo‑type system; and once the huge presses begin rolling, they are not stopped. If a very vital story comes in while the presses are rolling, it's saved for the next edition. Because of this method, and the tn‑daily editions, progress has done away with the extra edition.