Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

The New York Times: 175 Years of 'All the News That's Fit to Print'

Founded in 1851 by Henry Jarvis Raymond and George Jones, The New-York Daily Times aimed to cover "every subject of public importance." Now, 175 years later, the New York Times has evolved into a global news organization with over 13 million subscribers.

The paper's founders pledged to present news, literary reviews, and art criticism, promising columns "free from bigoted devotion to narrow interests" and open to "every subject of public importance."

The New York Times has documented major historical events, from the assassination of President Lincoln to the moon landing. Its influence continues to grow, with a record subscriber base.

The newsroom has transformed from a print-centric environment to a 24/7 digital operation, adapting to new mediums like the popular "The Daily" news podcast.

The paper's history includes significant moments like exposing "Boss" Tweed's corruption and publishing the Pentagon Papers, despite government pressure.

Under Adolph Ochs, who purchased the paper in 1896, the Times adopted the credo "All the News That's Fit to Print," emphasizing impartiality and concise reporting.

The Times acknowledges its past shortcomings, including indifference to the Holocaust and a slow response to the AIDS epidemic, and strives to correct coverage gaps through initiatives like the "Overlooked" obituaries series.

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