The New York Post: Older Than Your Grandma's Knitting Needles
So, you're wondering when this little gem of journalism, the New York Post, actually saw the light of day? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to take a trip down memory lane.
A Baby Step for Newspapers, A Giant Leap for Hamilton
Believe it or not, the New York Post is older than your grandma's knitting needles. It's like the Methuselah of newspapers. Founded in 1801 by the one and only Alexander Hamilton (yes, that Hamilton), it started life as a rather dignified broadsheet called the New-York Evening Post. Can you imagine Hamilton, the dude who wrote those mind-boggling Federalist Papers, sitting around thinking, "You know what would be great? A newspaper!"
From Broadsheet to Tabloid: A Dramatic Makeover
Fast forward a few decades, and the Post underwent a dramatic makeover. It ditched the stuffy broadsheet format and embraced the thrilling world of tabloids. It's like trading in your grandma's cardigan for a leather jacket. This transformation happened thanks to the fabulous Dorothy Schiff, who owned the paper in the mid-20th century. She had a knack for spotting juicy stories and knew exactly how to grab readers' attention.
Rupert Murdoch: The Aussie Who Loved New York
Then came Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul from Down Under. In 1976, he splashed out a cool $30.5 million on the Post. Let's just say, it was a match made in tabloid heaven. Murdoch's flair for sensationalism and his love for a good headline took the Post to new heights (or depths, depending on your point of view).
So, there you have it. The New York Post, a newspaper with more twists and turns than a soap opera. From its humble beginnings as a broadsheet to its current tabloid glory, it's been entertaining (and sometimes infuriating) readers for over two centuries.
How to... New York Post Trivia
- How to impress your friends with Post knowledge: Mention that it was founded by Alexander Hamilton.
- How to survive a conversation about the Post: Learn the difference between a broadsheet and a tabloid.
- How to find juicy gossip: Check out Page Six, the Post's celebrity gossip column.
- How to avoid getting sucked into a tabloid vortex: Remember, not everything you read is true.
- How to appreciate the Post's impact on journalism: Recognize its ability to shape public opinion and set the news agenda.