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What is the Founding History and Early Philosophy of The Village Voice?

Published in Journalism History 2 mins read

The Village Voice, a groundbreaking American alternative weekly newspaper, was founded in 1955 by a trio of visionaries who sought to redefine journalism.

The Birth of an Iconic Publication

The Village Voice emerged in 1955, established by Dan Wolf, Ed Fancher, and Norman Mailer. From its very inception, the publication was conceived not merely as a news outlet, but as a distinctive "writer's paper." This foundational principle dictated that the individual voices and strong opinions of its contributors would be paramount.

Founding Principles: A "Writer's Paper"

At its heart, The Village Voice was dedicated to fostering a unique journalistic environment where the writer's individual expression was celebrated. This ethos paved the way for a more personal and opinionated style of reporting that contrasted sharply with traditional objective journalism of the era.

Embracing New Journalism

The Village Voice was among the first publications to fully embrace what would later be known as "new journalism." This innovative approach encouraged writers to transcend the strictures of conventional reporting, allowing them to:

  • Write in their own distinct voices, bringing a personal and often subjective perspective to their stories.
  • Express clear opinions and takes on the events and issues they covered, moving beyond mere factual reporting.

This emphasis on personality and perspective transformed how news and culture were covered, making the Voice a vibrant and often provocative read.

Dan Wolf's Vision as Editor

As the paper's first editor, Dan Wolf was instrumental in shaping its unique character. He famously held a distinctive hiring philosophy: he actively didn't want journalism school graduates. Instead, Wolf sought out individuals with fresh perspectives, strong voices, and a willingness to challenge conventions, ensuring the paper maintained its radical and independent spirit.

Key Aspects of The Village Voice's Founding

The table below summarizes the core elements of The Village Voice's establishment:

Aspect Detail
Founding Year 1955
Founders Dan Wolf, Ed Fancher, Norman Mailer
Core Philosophy "Writer's paper," emphasizing individual voice and strong opinions
Journalistic Style Pioneer of "new journalism"
Editorial Approach Dan Wolf, first editor, preferred non-journalism school graduates for unique voices

The Village Voice's early years thus set a precedent for alternative journalism, valuing personal expression and critical opinion above all else.