Village Voice

Village Voice is an American news and culture paper, known for being the country's first alternative newspaper. It was founded in 1955 by Dan Wolf, Ed Fancher, and Norman Mailer. The paper is noted for its comprehensive coverage of music, arts, culture, and politics.

History

The Village Voice was launched in Greenwich Village, New York City, in 1955. The founders aimed to create a platform for the creative community in Greenwich Village to express their views and ideas. The paper quickly gained a reputation for its radical and provocative content, often challenging mainstream views and norms.

Content and Influence

The Village Voice has been a significant platform for investigative journalism, cultural reporting, and political commentary. It has played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and has been a launching pad for many influential journalists and writers. The paper's music section, particularly the Pazz & Jop critics' poll, has been influential in the music industry.

Closure and Relaunch

The print edition of the Village Voice was discontinued in 2017, and the paper ceased all publication in 2018. However, in 2021, it was announced that the Village Voice would return as a digital-first publication.

Awards

Over the years, the Village Voice has received multiple Pulitzer Prizes, including those for International Reporting and Feature Writing. It has also been recognized with other prestigious awards for its commitment to investigative journalism and cultural reporting.

Criticism and Controversy

The Village Voice has faced criticism and controversy over the years, particularly for its adult classifieds section, which was accused of facilitating sex trafficking. The section was eventually shut down in 2012.

See Also

• Alternative newspaper
• Greenwich Village
• Pulitzer Prizes
• Pazz & Jop