A newspaper is a publication printed on paper and distributed to individuals or businesses for advertising. Many newspapers contain news, sports and other local events, as well as national and international news. News articles typically provide the reader with the facts of an event or story, while editorials and columnists often express opinions on public issues. In addition to news articles, most traditional newspapers include a variety of other features such as photographs, cartoons, charts and maps. Newspapers can be published daily, weekly or bi-weekly. In the United States, most newspapers are sold by subscription or at newsstands. The majority of revenue for most newspapers comes from the sale of advertisements.
Newspapers are a form of mass communication and are widely used in society. Their primary function is to inform citizens of current events. They also act as a source of entertainment, and can be a source of debate and discussion. Many people rely on them for their daily source of information and as a guide to local events.
In the United States, the most popular and widely read newspaper is the New York Daily News. It is a morning tabloid newspaper founded in 1919 and once had the largest circulation of any newspaper in the world. It became known for sensational coverage of crime and scandal, lurid photographs and celebrity gossip. The Daily News lost its dominant position in the early 21st century to its competitor, the New York Post, but it continues to be a powerful force in the city’s media landscape.
Each article in the Daily News contains comprehension and critical thinking questions that help students better understand the news story. These questions are found at the bottom of the article. Additionally, “Background” and “Resources” (including video clips, maps and links) are provided for students to further explore the topic.
Most newspapers are divided into sections based on subject matter, such as politics and government; business and finance; crime, weather and natural disasters; sports and recreation; and society, food and cooking, fashion and home design, and arts and entertainment. The most important stories are usually given prominent placement on the front pages of these sections.
Most modern papers also have editorials, opinion pieces written by staff members or guest writers expressing their own views on a public issue. Many also have a letters to the editor section, which allows readers to send in their own opinions. The editorial page and letters to the editors are normally printed in a separate area of the newspaper from the news articles. On occasion, newspapers will publish special inserts and supplements that are not part of the regular newspaper. These may be in color or black and white.