The Evolution of the New York Post: A Storied Legacy

The Founding Era and Early Advocacy

The New York Post, originally named the New York Evening Post, was established by Alexander Hamilton in 1801, with William Coleman serving as its first editor-in-chief. Under Coleman's leadership, the paper began its mission of informing the New York populace. In 1829, William Cullen Bryant took over and steered the paper for an impressive 50 years. Bryant was a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery and supported the burgeoning trade union movement. His defense of the Society of Journeyman Tailors' strike in June 1836 is a notable example of his commitment to social justice.

A New Direction Under Henry Villard

In 1881, Henry Villard, a German immigrant with strong political convictions, assumed control of the New York Post. Villard appointed Carl Schurz, a fellow German radical thinker, as the managing editor. However, Schurz's tenure was brief, and he was succeeded by Edwin Godkin, editor of another Villard-owned publication, The Nation. Villard's influence shifted the paper's focus towards more progressive stances on various issues.

Oswald Garrison Villard and Human Rights Advocacy

Following Henry Villard's death in the early 1900s, his son Oswald Garrison Villard took the reins. Oswald, like his father, held radical views and was deeply involved in politics and social reform. He was a founding member of both the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Despite his pacifist stance, which led to a clash with his readership during World War I, Villard's commitment to human rights remained unwavering. However, the backlash from his anti-war position eventually forced him to sell the newspaper in 1918.

The Post Under Dorothy Schiff and Ted Thackrey

The year 1939 marked a new chapter for the New York Post with Dorothy Schiff at the helm. Schiff appointed Ted Thackrey as editor-in-chief, who transformed the paper into a streamlined tabloid. The Post continued to cover politics, notably supporting the Democratic presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson, a stance unique among New York City newspapers at the time.

The Murdoch Era Begins

The New York Post's ownership changed hands once again in 1977 when Australian media mogul Rupert Murdoch acquired the paper. Under Murdoch's leadership, the Post adopted a more sensationalist style, which has come to define its modern identity.

Interesting Stats and Data

• The New York Post is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the United States, having been established in 1801. Source: New York Post
• As of 2021, the New York Post has a daily circulation of about 230,000 copies and over 2 million unique visitors to its website daily. Source: Statista
• The Post's digital platform has seen significant growth, with a 21% increase in unique visitors from 2019 to 2020. Source: New York Post Press Room

The New York Post's history is a testament to the evolving landscape of journalism and the enduring power of the press in shaping public discourse. From its early days as a platform for advocacy to its current status as a tabloid, the Post's story is a microcosm of American media history.