New York Sun

New York Sun. The *New York Sun* was a daily newspaper published in New York City from 2002 to 2008 in print, with an online presence continuing until 2021. Founded by a group including Ronald Weintraub and editor Seth Lipsky, it consciously revived the name and motto of the historic 19th-century penny press *Sun*. The publication established itself with a distinctive conservative and neoconservative editorial perspective, focusing heavily on local New York City affairs, cultural coverage, and strong support for Israel. Its closure marked the end of a significant, if relatively brief, voice in the competitive New York media landscape.

History

The modern *New York Sun* was launched on April 16, 2002, by a partnership of investors led by Ronald Weintraub, a Boston-based textile executive, with Seth Lipsky, formerly of *The Wall Street Journal's* editorial page and *The Forward*, as editor. The launch occurred during a period of turmoil for New York following the September 11 attacks and aimed to provide a new broadsheet alternative in a market dominated by publications like *The New York Times* and the *New York Post*. The paper's revival of the historic *Sun* name, including its famous motto "It Shines for All," was a deliberate nod to New York City's journalistic heritage. Despite critical acclaim for its writing and design, the publication faced persistent financial challenges common to the newspaper industry in the 2000s. It ceased its print edition on September 30, 2008, citing unsustainable losses and the impact of the financial crisis of 2007–2008. The *Sun* continued as an online-only opinion and analysis outlet until it fully ceased operations in 2021.

Editorial stance and influence

The *New York Sun* was known for its staunchly conservative and neoconservative editorial positions, which distinguished it sharply from other major New York City dailies. Its editorial page was particularly vocal in advocating for a robust foreign policy, unwavering support for the state of Israel, and free-market economic principles. Domestically, it often criticized the policies of Mayors Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio, while offering detailed coverage of local issues such as education reform, urban planning, and zoning. The paper exerted influence through its high-quality commentary and its ability to set agendas on specific local topics, earning respect even from ideological opponents for the caliber of its writing and reporting. Its stance made it a favored read within certain political, financial, and intellectual circles in Manhattan and the New York metropolitan area.

Notable contributors and staff

Throughout its existence, the *New York Sun* attracted a roster of distinguished journalists and commentators. Its founder and editor, Seth Lipsky, was a central figure, having previously worked at *The Wall Street Journal* and founded *The Forward*'s English-language edition. Notable writers included cultural critic Tunku Varadarajan, who served as managing editor, and theater critic Toby Young. The paper featured regular contributions from prominent intellectuals and columnists such as Irving Kristol, often called the "godfather of neoconservatism," and his son William Kristol, editor of *The Weekly Standard*. Other significant voices included historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., who wrote for the paper despite ideological differences, and political commentator John Podhoretz. The staff also included respected reporters covering City Hall, the state capital in Albany, and the United Nations.

The Sun in popular culture

While its lifespan was relatively short, the *New York Sun* secured a place in popular culture primarily through its association with the famous editorial "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus," originally published by the 19th-century *Sun*. The modern paper frequently referenced this legacy, especially during the holiday season. Its distinctive broadsheet format and classical typography were noted in design circles, and its launch was covered in media industry publications like *Editor & Publisher*. The paper itself became a minor character in narratives about the changing newspaper industry and the political media landscape of New York City in the early 21st century, often cited as a bold experiment in ideological publishing within a major urban market.

See also

* The Sun (New York, 1833–1950) * New York Post * The New York Times * Daily News (New York) * Neoconservatism * Penny press * History of American newspapers

Category:Defunct newspapers published in New York City Category:Publications established in 2002 Category:Publications disestablished in 2021