Joseph Patterson

Joseph Medill Patterson was an American journalist and publisher who founded the Daily News in New York City. He was known for his innovative and irreverent style of journalism, which helped to make the Daily News one of the most popular newspapers in the world.

Patterson was born in Chicago in 1879. His grandfather, Joseph Medill, was the founder of the Chicago Tribune. Patterson followed in his grandfather's footsteps and attended Yale University, where he was a member of the Scroll and Key society. After graduating from Yale, Patterson worked as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune.

In 1919, Patterson and his brother, Robert R. McCormick, founded the Daily News. The Daily News was a tabloid newspaper that was designed to appeal to a mass audience. The paper featured sensational headlines, crime stories, and gossip columns. It also had a strong editorial voice that was often critical of the establishment.

The Daily News was an immediate success. By the time of Patterson's death in 1946, the paper had a circulation of over 2 million copies. Patterson is credited with bringing the tabloid to New York City and helping to make it a major force in American journalism.

Patterson was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a brilliant journalist and a shrewd businessman. He was also a ruthless and cynical man who was not afraid to use his power to attack his enemies.

Despite his flaws, Patterson was a significant figure in American journalism. He helped to change the way news was reported and consumed. His legacy continues to be felt today in the tabloid newspapers that are still popular around the world.

Principles

Patterson was a strong believer in the First Amendment and the importance of a free press. He also believed in the power of journalism to inform and educate the public. He was a fierce critic of corruption and injustice, and he used his newspaper to expose wrongdoing.

Notable Works

In addition to founding the Daily News, Patterson also founded the New York Daily Mirror and the Chicago Sun-Times. He was also the author of several books, including "The City of Chicago" and "The Shadow World".

Philosophy

Patterson's philosophy of journalism was based on the belief that the press should be a watchdog of the powerful and a voice for the voiceless. He believed that journalists should be independent and objective, but he also believed that they should not be afraid to take a stand on important issues.

Death and Legacy

Patterson died in 1946 at the age of 67. He is remembered as one of the most influential journalists of the 20th century. His legacy includes the Daily News, which continues to be a major force in American journalism, and the tabloid newspaper format, which he helped to popularize.

Interesting Facts

• Patterson was a lifelong bachelor.
• He was a keen golfer and horseman.
• He was a member of the Bohemian Club, a private club for journalists and other creative professionals.

Conclusion

Joseph Medill Patterson was a complex and contradictory figure, but he was also a brilliant journalist and a shrewd businessman. He helped to change the way news was reported and consumed, and his legacy continues to be felt today in the tabloid newspapers that are still popular around the world.