James Gordon Bennett

Full Name: James Gordon Bennett Sr.
Profession: Founder of the New York Herald

Nationality:

Biography: Founder, editor and publisher of the New York Herald, Bennett was a major figure in the history of American newspapers.

Together with a small group of rival publishers he helped transform and modernize journalism. Most famously with front–page coverage of the murder of prostitute Helen Jewett in April 1836. In the same year, the Herald also began a cash–in–advance policy for advertisers, which soon became standard newspaper practice.

Under Bennett's leadership the New York Herald grew to become the most profitable and highest circulation newspaper in America. In 1866, he handed control of the paper to his spendthrift son, James Gordon Bennett Jr. under which it steadily declined.

Born: September 1, 1795
Birthplace: Keith, Scotland, United Kingdom
Star Sign: Virgo

Died: June 1, 1872 (aged 76)