What Is a Newspaper of Record?
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Every once in a while people hear the expression, a “newspaper of record.” What are they and why do they matter?
A newspaper of record is a prestigious national newspaper known for its:
- Accuracy and high journalistic standards: They employ fact-checkers and editors to ensure truthful reporting.
- Comprehensiveness: They cover a wide range of news topics, including politics, culture, and business.
- Historical significance: They often have a long history and serve as an archive of important events.
- Large circulation: Traditionally, they were printed publications with a wide readership, though this is less emphasized in the digital age.
There’s no official designation for a “newspaper of record,” but some of the most well-respected publications that carry that moniker include:
- The New York Times (USA)
- The Washington Post (USA)
- The Wall Street Journal (USA)
- The Los Angeles Times (USA)
- The Guardian (UK)
- The Times (UK)
- Le Figaro (France)
These publications are often used by researchers and historians as a trusted source of information about current and past events.
