From Federalist broadsheet to tabloid titan: The turbulent history of the New York Post

Cultures · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1801, the New York Post has evolved from a respected broadsheet into a provocative, tabloid-style powerhouse. Now the third-largest newspaper in the U.S. by print circulation, it remains a lightning rod for controversy, known for its sensational headlines, political influence, and aggressive, often polarizing, editorial choices.

The New York Post began as the New-York Evening Post, established by Alexander Hamilton and Federalist allies to counter the rising influence of Thomas Jefferson. Throughout the 19th century, it maintained a reputation for intellectual rigor, particularly under the editorship of abolitionist poet William Cullen Bryant, who earned praise from John Stuart Mill. However, the paper underwent a radical transformation in the 20th century. After several ownership changes, including a period under Dorothy Schiff that introduced the modern tabloid format, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp acquired the paper in 1976 for $30.5 million.

Under Murdoch’s ownership, the Post became synonymous with a punchy, aggressive style of journalism that prioritized sensationalism and puns. This approach has frequently invited intense criticism. In 1980, the Columbia Journalism Review famously labeled the paper a social problem. The Post has faced numerous defamation lawsuits, including high-profile cases involving Richard Jewell and two men wrongly identified as suspects in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Despite these controversies, the paper maintains a dedicated readership and significant political influence, often serving as a preferred outlet for conservative figures.

The paper’s editorial decisions have sparked boycotts and internal friction. In 2019, a front-page image targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar led to a boycott by hundreds of Yemeni-owned bodegas in New York City. Similarly, the 2020 publication of a story regarding Hunter Biden’s laptop—sourced from Rudy Giuliani and Steve Bannon—drew scrutiny over its reliability and the paper's internal editorial processes. While critics argue the Post prioritizes sensationalism over journalistic standards, supporters and executives maintain that the paper successfully challenges the 'elitist' media agenda, securing its niche in one of the world's most competitive markets.

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