The Yale Daily News
Founded in 1878, the Yale Daily News (YDN) is the oldest college daily newspaper in the United States. It is published every weekday while the University is in session and has a circulation of over 200,000. It is the primary source of news and debate for students at Yale and provides a platform for informed and engaged discussion. YDN alumni have gone on to prominent careers in journalism, politics and public service. The Yale Daily News Historical Archive provides access to digitized copies of the printed newspaper, and includes more than 140 years of YDN reporting.
During its heyday in the 1920s, the Daily News found abundant subject matter, from political wrongdoing (such as the Teapot Dome Scandal) to social intrigue (the romance between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII that led to his abdication). The paper also emphasized photography; it was an early user of the Associated Press wirephoto service and developed a large staff of photographers.
The newspaper reached its peak circulation in 1947 with more than 2.4 million copies daily, making it the eleventh-highest circulated daily in the United States. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, the Daily News struggled with competition from its sensational rival tabloid, the New York Post, and suffered from economic decline in the publishing industry that ultimately led to its collapse in 1978.
By the turn of the 21st century, the Daily News was still one of the city’s leading newspapers, though its circulation was significantly diminished from its mid-20th-century peak. In 2017, it was acquired by Tronc, Inc., a media company owned by Chicago-based investor Mort Zuckerman.
Since that time, the Daily News has continued to produce high-quality journalism. It has also sought to adapt to changes in the digital world, and has expanded its online presence through a variety of platforms. In addition to its flagship website, the Daily News now offers a wide range of digital products, including apps, e-books and live streaming events. The Daily News also has a strong presence in the regional and national advertising markets. The newspaper has been the recipient of numerous awards for its work and is a frequent nominee for Pulitzer Prizes.