Penny press

Penny press refers to newspapers commonly hawked in the streets during the 1800s for the price of a single penny. These newspapers began to appear around the 19th century as competitors for editions which cost slightly more. The newspaper was classically made with cheaper materials, and the staff minimized the use of engravings and other expensive features to keep costs lows. Originally, these penny presses were simply meant to appeal to people who were tight with their money, but eventually they began to fill a specific social niche, thanks to their low cost.

Members of the working and lower classes who could not afford newspapers could afford to buy a penny press, so these papers began covering social issues of interest to these groups, providing news coverage where none had existed before. Many penny presses also dealt with political issues, and they included commentary on emerging political and social issues. Although these newspapers were cheap and sometimes sensational, they were a valued source of news for many people who would have otherwise been deprived of information.

Nearby pages
Penny Stocks, Penny Wedding, Penrith, Penryn, Penseroso II, Pentagram