Old News, New Questions: Why Newspapers Still Cover Scandals
The debate over whether a daily newspaper should report on celebrity gossip or serious politics is not new. In the 19th century, papers like The Providence Journal ran stories about runaway wives and socialites while also covering wars and national elections. A 1860 front page, for instance, listed a scandal about a parliament member’s wife eloping with a servant alongside reports on governors supporting the Union. This shows that mixing sensational stories with hard news has long been part of newspaper tradition.
Modern critics often point to coverage of The Real Housewives or Taylor Swift’s wedding plans as evidence that outlets are chasing click‑bait. Yet the same practice can be traced back to colonial times when newspapers reported on local scandals, spiritualists, and the visits of famous figures. An 1882 article described Oscar Wilde’s attire during a Rhode Island trip, while reports of Buffalo Bill Cody arriving in Newport drew readers with tales of staged Native American attacks. These pieces were printed beside serious coverage of wars and politics, indicating a balance between public interest and civic duty.
Why the Mix Matters
- Human curiosity: Readers naturally want to know about the lives of people they admire or those who influence their community.
- Relevance: By providing a mix, newspapers keep themselves relevant and accessible to a broader audience.
- Historical precedent: Today’s tabloids attract readers with celebrity gossip, 19th‑century papers attracted them with tales of runaway wives and socialite visits.
Critics should recognize that the “click‑bait” label is historically inaccurate. Newspapers have always catered to curiosity, while also informing about important events. The practice of publishing both serious and sensational news is not a recent trend but an enduring feature of journalism. It reflects the dual role of media: to inform on matters that shape society and to satisfy the human desire for stories about others.
