The New York Times: The Great American Newspaper

Origins

Originally known as the New-York Daily Times, The New York Times was founded in 1851 by a member of the Whig Party. Over time, it expanded and became more influential, becoming a prominent publication during the Civil War period. In the 1870s, The New York Times became famous for its coverage in unearthing the Boss Tweed controversy, releasing articles that exposed Tweed's corruption. Eventually, Tweed was found guilty of fraud and was arrested. 

Early in its history, The New York Times supported Republican political candidates, but changed its tone when it endorsed Grover Cleveland, a Democrat, in 1884. 

Content

The New York Times has consistently been known for its independent, even-handed approach to journalism. Its main catchphrase became "All the news that's fit to print," a remark that illustrated the accuracy and fairness of the newspaper's claims. Its earliest competitors often published sensational, sometimes blatantly false news, which led many to hold The New York Times in high regard. 

Front page of The New York Times following the Titanic disaster

Recognition

The New York Times has won 117 Pulitzer Prizes.

It has become a national symbol, instantly recognizable by nearly everyone.

The New York Times Company has a significant share in the American media industry, and owns a number of international, national, and regional publications.

Why is it Significant?

I personally believe that the need for accurate journalism is very important in today's society, especially with the popularity of the internet. Facts and rumors can spiral out of control quickly, so there must be media outlets that report the truth in a way that can be easily accessible by many people. I chose to highlight The New York Times because it is a well-respected newspaper, and it has a history of being on the right side of news reporting.