The Launch of ‘The New-York Daily Times’

On September 18, 1851, ‘The New-York Daily Times’ published its first issue, marking the advent of what would become one of the most prominent newspapers in the world, now known as ‘The New York Times’. Founded by journalist and politician Henry Jarvis Raymond and former banker George Jones, the paper was established with the intention to provide accurate and trustworthy news reporting in response to the sensationalist style of other contemporary publications.

Founding Principles

Raymond, who had previously worked at ‘The New York Tribune’, envisaged the newspaper as a platform that practiced unbiased reporting and adhered to high standards of journalism. The original mission of the publication was to report the news without the influence of political parties or special interests—a rather novel approach during a period where many newspapers in New York were known for their political affiliations and biases.

The First Issue

The inaugural issue of ‘The New-York Daily Times’ was published on this day in 1851. It promised readers that it would provide news that was “free from vulgarity and vituperation” and committed to “impartially…the news of the day.”

The newspaper started with a daily edition costing two cents and quickly gained a reputation for challenging established powers and reporting rigorously on significant issues. Its early years were marked by a commitment to advocating for civil service reform and promoting social progress.

Growth and Impact

Under Raymond’s leadership, the paper quickly rose in prominence. In its early years, it expanded its coverage beyond purely local news to include national and international reporting, setting a standard for future newspaper reporting.

The ‘New-York Daily Times’ underwent significant growth throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, reflecting the dynamic changes in the world it reported on. The name was eventually shortened to ‘The New York Times’ in 1857, signaling the paper’s growing ambition and expanding scope.

Legacy

‘The New York Times’ has since become globally renowned as a leading source of news and opinion, earning numerous Pulitzer Prizes over the years for its investigative reporting, international coverage, and public service journalism. Its origins, deeply rooted in the principles of journalistic integrity and independence, have continued to guide its editorial stance.

This departure from the norm of politically charged journalism at the time of its inception has contributed significantly to shaping modern journalism, establishing ‘The New York Times’ as a cornerstone of the free press with a legacy enduring over generations.