Why did the New York Post choose a smaller 'tabloid' newspaper size?
The New York Post switched to a tabloid format to make it easier for commuters to read on crowded subways.
In the mid-20th century, the New York Post changed from a large broadsheet to a compact tabloid size. This allowed passengers to read in tight spaces without hitting their neighbors. The smaller layout led to bold headlines and more photos, creating the punchy style now synonymous with New York journalism.
Nerd Mode
The New York Post officially transitioned from a broadsheet to a tabloid format on September 6, 1943. This strategic move was led by publisher Dorothy Schiff, who recognized that the traditional broadsheet was too cumbersome for the city's rapidly growing subway population. At the time, millions of New Yorkers relied on public transit, and the 15-inch tabloid width was much easier to handle in a packed train car than the standard 22-inch broadsheet.This change was not just about physical size but also about content delivery. To accommodate the smaller pages, editors adopted a 'jazzier' style with larger fonts and more aggressive photography. This shift helped the Post compete with other tabloids of the era, such as the New York Daily News, which had pioneered the format in the United States in 1919. The format proved so successful for urban distribution that it eventually became the standard for many metropolitan newspapers worldwide.The transition also reflected a broader social shift toward fast-paced, visual consumption of news. By 1943, the Post had survived for over 140 years since its founding by Alexander Hamilton in 1801, but the tabloid switch saved it from financial decline. Today, the tabloid format remains a cultural icon of New York City, specifically designed for the ergonomics of a standing commuter. The physical constraints of the subway system literally shaped the editorial voice of one of America's oldest newspapers.
Verified Fact
FP-0002274 · Feb 16, 2026