Whether you’re a writer or just reading a newspaper, there is much to learn from a headline. A headline is the first thing that draws people into an article, so it’s important to make it interesting and catchy. It should also evoke emotion or curiosity, encouraging readers to keep scrolling. To do this, a headline should be short and direct while still providing enough information to entice readers into the body copy. A good way to do this is by using a question or a statement that is surprising or intriguing.
For example, “Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin take first steps on the moon as world watches” captures the attention of readers while providing essential information about the event. This is an effective use of a headline because it gives readers the main details they need to know without overstating the facts or giving away too much information. In addition, it is concise and includes an ellipses, which implies that there is more to come — another important element of writing a news headline.
As the first successful tabloid newspaper in America, the New York Daily News attracted millions of readers with sensational pictorial coverage and lurid photographs. The paper grew so large that in 1929 it moved from Park Place to its own skyscraping art deco News Building. The iconic building sat at 450 West 33rd Street, straddling the railroad tracks into Pennsylvania Station. It would later become the world headquarters of the Associated Press and is now part of Manhattan West.
The News continued to thrive during the Great Depression and into the 1940s, reaching its peak circulation of 2.4 million copies a day. The newspaper’s success can be credited to its unwavering commitment to breaking the biggest stories, regardless of political or social consequence. In 1928, a News reporter strapped a small camera to his leg and shot a photo of Ruth Snyder being executed in the electric chair. The next day, the newspaper carried the front-page headline “DEAD!”
In the 1980s, the News lost its grip on its readership as its editorial positions became more partisan and less balanced. In 1985, a controversial British media mogul purchased the paper and hired out all of its unionized employees. The ensuing five-month strike ended with the Daily News hiring non-union workers to continue publishing at a substantial loss for the company.
Today, the newspaper is owned by the Tribune Company and based in downtown New York City. The Daily News is the largest and most influential city newspaper in the United States, with a unique blend of local news, national news and celebrity gossip. Its award-winning writers, columnists and opinion formers bring you the very best in live national and local news, New York exclusives, politics and the latest sports and entertainment news. No one covers the Yankees, Mets, Giants and Jets like the Daily News.