PM (newspaper)

PM (newspaper). *PM* was an innovative and politically engaged daily newspaper published in New York City from 1940 to 1948. Founded by editor Ralph Ingersoll, it was distinguished by its ad-free format, staunchly liberal editorial stance, and pioneering use of photojournalism. The paper provided a vocal platform for New Deal policies, organized labor, and civil rights, while fiercely opposing fascism and isolationism during World War II.

History and founding

*PM* was launched on June 18, 1940, with significant financial backing from Marshall Field III, the Chicago department store heir and philanthropist. The founding editor, Ralph Ingersoll, previously a managing editor at The New Yorker and *Fortune*, conceived the paper as a bold experiment in journalistic independence. Its creation was a direct response to the perceived failures of the mainstream press in the late 1930s, which Ingersoll believed was too beholden to advertising revenue and conservative interests. The paper's headquarters were located in New York City, and its launch coincided with a tumultuous period marked by the Battle of France and rising debates over American intervention in World War II.

Editorial stance and political influence

The newspaper's editorial philosophy was explicitly pro-New Deal, pro-organized labor, and anti-fascist, positioning itself as a champion for progressive causes. *PM* was an early and relentless critic of isolationism, attacking figures like Charles Lindbergh and the America First Committee while advocating for support of the Allies. It provided extensive coverage of the civil rights movement, reporting on issues like the Detroit race riot of 1943 and advocating for the Fair Employment Practice Committee. The paper also took strong positions in favor of consumer protection and against political corruption, often clashing with powerful institutions like the Democratic Party machine of New York City and the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover.

Notable contributors and staff

*PM* attracted a remarkable array of literary, artistic, and journalistic talent. Among its most famous contributors was the cartoonist Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), who drew over 400 political cartoons for the paper between 1941 and 1943. The staff included renowned journalists like James Wechsler, who later edited the New York Post, and I. F. Stone, who began his iconic newsletter after his tenure at *PM*. Photographers such as Margaret Bourke-White and Weegee provided powerful visual journalism, while writers like Ben Hecht and Ernest Hemingway (as a foreign correspondent) also contributed. Editor Ralph Ingersoll himself served with the Office of Strategic Services during the war.

Format and distribution

The paper was physically distinctive, printed on oversized tabloid pages with a vibrant, magazine-like layout. Its most revolutionary business decision was to forgo traditional advertising revenue, aiming to free its reporting from commercial influence; instead, it relied on a cover price and the backing of Marshall Field III. This ad-free model allowed for innovative design, with heavy emphasis on photographs, illustrations, and large-type headlines. While its primary circulation was concentrated in the New York metropolitan area, its influential content was widely discussed in national political and media circles, including within the White House of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Controversies and criticism

*PM*'s overtly partisan stance made it a constant target for criticism from both the political right and left. Conservatives, the Republican Party, and the Hearst press frequently denounced it as a radical, pro-Soviet Union publication, especially for its generally favorable coverage of the Red Army during the war. Conversely, it faced accusations from some on the left and from American communists for being insufficiently doctrinaire. Its unwavering support for the New Deal and later for Harry S. Truman's administration, including the Marshall Plan, led to further ideological battles. Internal strife over editorial direction and financial struggles also plagued the newspaper.

Closure and legacy

Plagued by continuous financial losses after the initial support from Marshall Field III ended, *PM* ceased publication on June 22, 1948. Its assets were briefly revived as the short-lived *New York Star*. The legacy of *PM* endures as a pioneering experiment in American journalism. It demonstrated the potential and perils of an ad-free newspaper model and set new standards for photojournalism and graphic design. Its advocacy journalism presaged later work by outlets like The Village Voice and influenced a generation of reporters. The paper is remembered as a passionate, influential, and contentious voice during a critical era in American history. Category:Defunct newspapers published in New York City Category:Publications established in 1940 Category:Publications disestablished in 1948