The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds 275 - The Newsie Strike
Jun 19, 2017
Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds explore the 1899 Newsie Strike in New York City, discussing the harsh realities faced by newsboys, yellow journalism practices, and the Spanish-American War triggers. They delve into the chaos of the strike, bribery attempts, and the newsboys' perseverance in fighting for fair treatment, peppered with whimsical and absurd conversations for comedic relief.
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Charity Turned Chaotic At Dolan's Supper
- James Lynch fed 211 newsboys, gave each a dime, and threw coins to watch them scramble for money.
- The scene quickly turned violent when the boys attacked a pickpocket, showing the volatile mix of charity and street life.
Sensational Press Inflated Costs For Kids
- Yellow journalism and sensational war coverage drove huge circulation gains that publishers monetized by raising bundle prices.
- That price hike directly squeezed the newsboys and catalyzed the 1899 strike.
The July 21, 1899 Newsboys Walkout
- On July 21, 1899, hundreds of newsboys organized and declared a strike to demand cheaper bundle prices.
- They enforced the boycott aggressively, making it nearly impossible to buy those papers downtown.