The Daily News is an American tabloid newspaper founded in 1919. The paper is the oldest and largest continuously published daily newspaper in the United States, with a circulation of about 2.4 million copies per day. It is also one of the largest-selling newspapers in New York City. The paper is famous for its photographic coverage, political analysis, and intense city news coverage. It also features celebrity gossip, classified ads, and sports. The Daily News is headquartered in the iconic 42nd Street News Building, which was used as the model for the Daily Planet building in the first two Superman movies.
For many publishers these on-demand daily news podcasts are a key part of their audio strategy, attracting large audiences, building habit and loyalty, and driving significant revenue. The Daily News, the Guardian’s Today in Focus, and FT’s Morning Money briefing are just three of the many examples of daily news shows with a strong presence on Apple Podcasts.
Several other publishers have also invested in the format, with varying degrees of success. NPR’s All Things Considered and Up First are among the most popular podcasts in the US, while a number of European publishers have a presence too. However, these shows have a difficult task ahead of them. They face competition from other daily podcasts and the plethora of other audio content that is available on all kinds of platforms, including social media.
Many of these podcasts have a dedicated production team, and they are usually scripted to ensure consistency. This allows for the creation of plot driven narratives that can be more engaging than simple news bulletins. The New York Times’ The Daily podcast, for example, has a staff of around 15 people, including writers, editors, and producers. This level of investment is not possible for every publisher, however, and many rely on their print products to carry the bulk of their daily news.
Another factor in the success of daily news podcasts is the ability to tap into an audience’s appetite for breaking news. These shows often feature the latest updates on major developments, while also offering a perspective that may be missing from other media sources. They also provide an opportunity for publishers to differentiate themselves from the competition, which can be crucial in a competitive landscape.
As a result, the popularity of daily news podcasts is likely to continue to grow in the coming years. In many cases, these flagship shows will remain the main driver of their respective media brands’ subscription revenues, while also serving as critical brand ambassadors for the next generation of listeners.
As for the future, daily news will need to find ways to reach an even wider audience, particularly if it wants to compete with other digital content that is easily available for free. As a result, it might need to embrace different production styles to reach a more diverse range of consumers. The Daily News, for example, has already shifted away from its traditional editorial stance to become “flexibly centrist” with a “high-minded, if populist, legacy”. It is this kind of balancing act that will be key as the industry adapts to the new normal.