A significant development in 19th-century journalism, this refers to newspapers produced in the United States from the 1830s onward that were sold for one cent. This price point made them accessible to a wider audience than the subscription-based newspapers of the time, which typically cost six cents. An example would be the New York Sun, founded in 1833, which famously adopted this business model.
The advent of these inexpensive newspapers democratized access to information, allowing ordinary citizens to stay informed about current events, local news, and social issues. This shift fostered increased literacy and public engagement. The economic impact was substantial, leading to a surge in advertising revenue and the growth of the newspaper industry. This development also marked a significant change in the style of journalism, with a greater emphasis on human-interest stories and sensationalism to attract readers.
