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Al Neuharth founded USA Today in 1980 and served as its first president and publisher upon its launch.
Answer: True
Al Neuharth founded USA Today, with the concept developed in 1980, and he served as its first president and publisher upon its official launch in 1982.
The initial concept for USA Today was developed during a task force meeting in Cocoa Beach, Florida, in 1980.
Answer: True
The concept for USA Today was indeed conceived on February 29, 1980, during a 'Project NN' task force meeting in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
*East Bay Today*, an early prototype for USA Today, was an independent publication not owned by Gannett.
Answer: False
*East Bay Today* was an early regional prototype for USA Today, and it was owned by Gannett as the morning edition of the *Oakland Tribune*.
Gannett's board of directors approved the launch of USA Today in early 1982, just months before its official debut.
Answer: False
Gannett's board of directors approved the launch of USA Today on December 5, 1981, nearly a year before its official debut in September 1982.
Upon its launch, USA Today was sold for a newsstand price of 81 cents, reflecting its modern value.
Answer: False
Upon its launch, USA Today was sold for 25 cents, which is equivalent to 81 cents in 2024, not its initial price.
USA Today was profitable from its first year of operation, exceeding Gannett's initial revenue projections.
Answer: False
USA Today operated at a loss for most of its first four years, accumulating a significant deficit before turning its first profit in May 1987, six months ahead of projections.
Who founded USA Today and served as its first president and publisher?
Answer: Al Neuharth
Al Neuharth founded USA Today and was appointed its first president and publisher upon its launch.
When was the initial concept for USA Today conceived during a 'Project NN' task force meeting?
Answer: February 29, 1980
The initial concept for USA Today was conceived on February 29, 1980, during a 'Project NN' task force meeting in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
What was an early regional prototype of USA Today, owned by Gannett?
Answer: *East Bay Today*
*East Bay Today*, based in Oakland, California, was an early regional prototype of USA Today and was owned by Gannett.
When did Gannett's board of directors officially approve the launch of USA Today?
Answer: December 5, 1981
Gannett's board of directors officially approved the launch of USA Today on December 5, 1981.
What was the initial newsstand price of USA Today when it launched?
Answer: 25 cents
Upon its launch, USA Today was sold for a newsstand price of 25 cents.
When did USA Today begin turning its first profit after operating at a loss for several years?
Answer: May 1987
After operating at a loss for most of its first four years, USA Today began turning its first profit in May 1987.
USA Today is primarily categorized as a niche publication, targeting a highly specialized demographic rather than a broad audience.
Answer: False
USA Today is categorized as a middle-market newspaper, designed to appeal to a broad audience with accessible content, rather than a niche demographic.
USA Today's design, characterized by concise reports and vibrant graphics, had a significant global influence on other newspapers.
Answer: True
USA Today's innovative design, featuring concise reports, vibrant colorized images, and informative graphics, significantly influenced newspaper design worldwide.
Critics initially praised USA Today for its in-depth stories and traditional journalistic approach.
Answer: False
Critics initially derided USA Today for its concise reports and extensive use of graphics, calling it 'McPaper' and criticizing its departure from traditional in-depth journalism.
USA Today transitioned to full-color photography and graphics across all its sections in 1986.
Answer: False
USA Today transitioned to full-color photography and graphics across all its sections on July 2, 1984.
The four main sections of USA Today in the U.S. and Canada are News, Business, Sports, and Arts.
Answer: False
The four main sections of USA Today in the U.S. and Canada are News, Money, Sports, and Life.
Each section of USA Today is visually distinguished by a unique color in a box on its first page.
Answer: True
Each section of USA Today is visually distinguished by a specific color in a box on the top-left corner of its first page, such as blue for News and red for Sports.
'Reefers' in USA Today's layout are full-page advertisements placed at the beginning of each section.
Answer: False
'Reefers' are front-page paragraphs in each section that briefly describe and refer to stories located on inside pages, not full-page advertisements.
The back page of the News section in USA Today is entirely dedicated to international business news.
Answer: False
The back page of the News section in USA Today is entirely dedicated to weather information, including colorized maps and temperature lists.
George Rorick created USA Today's distinctive colorized forecast map, which was widely imitated by other newspapers.
Answer: True
Staff designer George Rorick created USA Today's distinctive colorized forecast map, an innovative design that was widely copied globally.
The Weather Channel has been USA Today's exclusive weather data provider since its inception.
Answer: False
AccuWeather has been USA Today's primary weather data provider for most of its existence, with The Weather Channel providing data only from 2002 to 2012.
'USA Today Snapshots' are detailed investigative reports found in the centerfold of each section.
Answer: False
'USA Today Snapshots' are graphs presenting statistics on lifestyle interests, found in the lower left-hand corner of most sections' front pages, not detailed investigative reports.
USA Today's opinion section is unique for consistently publishing opposing viewpoints alongside its editorial board's piece.
Answer: True
USA Today's opinion section is characterized by its unique practice of consistently publishing an alternative perspective from a guest writer alongside its editorial board's piece.
What type of publication is USA Today primarily categorized as?
Answer: A middle-market newspaper
USA Today is categorized as a middle-market newspaper, aiming to reach a broad audience with accessible content.
Which of the following was a distinctive design element of USA Today that influenced other newspapers globally?
Answer: Concise reports and vibrant colorized images
USA Today's innovative use of concise reports, vibrant colorized images, and informative graphics significantly influenced newspaper design worldwide.
How did critics often deride USA Today's unique style and extensive use of graphics?
Answer: As 'McPaper' or 'television you can wrap fish in'
Critics often derided USA Today's unique style, referring to it as 'McPaper' or 'television you can wrap fish in' due to its concise format and extensive graphics.
When did USA Today transition to full-color photography and graphics across all its sections?
Answer: July 2, 1984
USA Today transitioned to full-color photography and graphics across all its sections on July 2, 1984.
What are the four primary sections of the USA Today newspaper in the United States and Canada?
Answer: News, Money, Sports, Life
The four primary sections of USA Today in the U.S. and Canada are News, Money, Sports, and Life.
What visual element differentiates each section of USA Today?
Answer: A specific color in a box on the top-left corner of its first page
Each section of USA Today is visually differentiated by a specific color in a box on the top-left corner of its first page, such as blue for News and green for Money.
What is the purpose of 'reefers' in USA Today's layout?
Answer: To provide brief descriptions and refer to stories on inside pages
'Reefers' are front-page paragraphs that provide brief descriptions and refer readers to more detailed stories located on inside pages of each section.
Who created USA Today's distinctive colorized forecast map, which was widely copied?
Answer: George Rorick
Staff designer George Rorick created USA Today's distinctive colorized forecast map, an innovative visual element that was widely imitated by other newspapers globally.
Which company primarily provides weather data for USA Today?
Answer: AccuWeather
AccuWeather primarily provides weather data for USA Today, having served as its forecast provider for most of its existence.
What are 'USA Today Snapshots'?
Answer: Graphs presenting statistics on lifestyle interests
'USA Today Snapshots' are graphs found on the front pages of most sections, presenting statistics on lifestyle interests, often with icons and research source credits.
What unique feature characterizes USA Today's opinion section?
Answer: It consistently publishes opposing points of view from guest writers.
USA Today's opinion section is unique for consistently publishing opposing viewpoints from guest writers alongside its editorial board's piece on a given topic.
USA Today utilizes over 40 printing sites globally to ensure widespread distribution of its newspaper.
Answer: True
USA Today utilizes 37 printing sites across the United States and five internationally, totaling 42 sites, to achieve widespread distribution.
In 2023, USA Today's print circulation ranked as the second largest in the United States, while its digital circulation was the largest.
Answer: False
As of 2023, USA Today's print circulation was the fifth largest, and its digital circulation was the fourth largest in the United States.
The international edition of USA Today is exclusively distributed in Europe and Asia, not reaching other global regions.
Answer: False
The international edition of USA Today is available in Asia, Canada, Europe, and the Pacific islands, in addition to the U.S. and its territories.
USA Today's extensive printing and distribution network allowed for later story submission cutoffs, benefiting its sports section.
Answer: True
The significant investment in its printing and distribution network allowed USA Today to have later story submission cutoffs, enabling the inclusion of late-finishing sports scores.
The international edition of USA Today was first launched and transmitted via satellite in the same month of 1984.
Answer: False
The international edition was launched in July 1984, but the first satellite transmission occurred four months later, in October 1984.
By the end of 1985, USA Today had become the second-largest newspaper in the United States by circulation.
Answer: True
By the fourth quarter of 1985, USA Today had indeed become the second-largest newspaper in the U.S. by daily circulation.
The January 29, 1988, edition of USA Today set a single-day circulation record for an American newspaper.
Answer: True
The January 29, 1988, edition, featuring a Super Bowl XXII preview, sold over 2.1 million copies, setting a single-day circulation record for an American newspaper at that time.
The September 11 attacks led to USA Today's all-time single-day circulation record on September 12, 2001.
Answer: True
The edition covering the September 11 attacks on September 12, 2001, sold over 3.6 million copies, setting USA Today's all-time single-day circulation record.
USA Today prints daily, including special Saturday and Sunday editions for regular weekend distribution.
Answer: False
USA Today does not print on Saturdays and Sundays; the Friday edition serves as the weekend edition, though special weekend editions have been published for significant events.
How many printing sites does USA Today utilize across the United States and internationally?
Answer: 42 sites
USA Today utilizes 37 printing sites in the U.S. and five internationally, totaling 42 sites for widespread distribution.
As of 2023, what was USA Today's ranking for print circulation in the United States?
Answer: Fifth largest
As of 2023, USA Today's print circulation ranked as the fifth largest in the United States.
In addition to all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, where is USA Today's international edition available?
Answer: Asia, Canada, Europe, and the Pacific islands
USA Today's international edition is available in Asia, Canada, Europe, and the Pacific islands, extending its reach beyond the U.S. and its territories.
What key advantage did USA Today's expensive printing and distribution network provide?
Answer: Ability to include late-finishing sports scores
The extensive printing and distribution network allowed for later story submission cutoffs, enabling the inclusion of late-finishing sports scores, a key selling point.
When was the first satellite transmission of USA Today's international edition sent to Singapore?
Answer: October 8, 1984
The first satellite transmission of USA Today's international edition was sent to Singapore on October 8, 1984, four months after its launch.
By what year did USA Today become the second-largest newspaper in the United States by circulation?
Answer: 1985
By the fourth quarter of 1985, USA Today had become the second-largest newspaper in the United States by daily circulation.
What event was featured in USA Today's record-setting 78-page edition on January 29, 1988?
Answer: A preview of Super Bowl XXII
The record-setting 78-page edition of USA Today on January 29, 1988, featured a preview of Super Bowl XXII.
What event led to USA Today's all-time single-day circulation record of 3,638,600 copies on September 12, 2001?
Answer: The September 11 attacks
The edition covering the September 11 attacks on September 12, 2001, set USA Today's all-time single-day circulation record.
How does USA Today typically handle its weekend editions?
Answer: The Friday edition serves as the weekend edition.
USA Today does not print on Saturdays and Sundays; instead, the Friday edition serves as the weekend edition, though special editions have been published for major events.
As of 2024, USA Today's corporate headquarters are located in McLean, Virginia, continuing its long-standing presence there.
Answer: False
As of 2024, USA Today's corporate headquarters relocated to New York, NY, from its previous location in McLean, Virginia.
USA Today launched its website for real-time news coverage in the early 2000s.
Answer: False
USA Today launched its website for real-time news coverage on April 17, 1995, not in the early 2000s.
USA Today Live, launched in 2000, was an initiative to provide news coverage to broadcast television stations and integrate with the website.
Answer: True
USA Today Live, launched in 2000, was a broadcast and Internet initiative designed to provide news coverage to television stations and integrate with the USA Today website.
The 2010 newsroom reorganization at USA Today primarily focused on expanding its print operations.
Answer: False
The 2010 newsroom reorganization at USA Today primarily focused on shifting from print to digital platforms and included staff layoffs.
The 2012 redesign of USA Today was primarily driven by a need to address declining print readership.
Answer: False
The 2012 redesign was primarily to commemorate the paper's 30th anniversary and modernize its appearance and digital presence, not solely to address declining print readership.
The 2012 redesign introduced a new logo featuring a large circle that changed colors and images based on daily headlines.
Answer: True
The 2012 redesign introduced a new logo with a large, color-changing circle that acted as an infographic, displaying images related to daily top headlines.
The 'Gravity' ad unit, part of USA Today's website redesign, won an award for its high user engagement rates.
Answer: True
The 'Gravity' ad unit, part of the 2012 website redesign, won Digiday's Best Publishing Innovation in Advertising in 2016 for its high user engagement.
The 'Butterfly' initiative was a public-facing campaign to promote USA Today's digital subscriptions.
Answer: False
The 'Butterfly' initiative was an internal Gannett project that test-launched a condensed daily edition of USA Today as an insert in local newspapers.
The USA Today Network, launched in 2015, is a digital newsgathering service that shares content between USA Today and Gannett's local newspapers.
Answer: True
The USA Today Network, launched in 2015, is a national digital newsgathering service that facilitates shared content and advertising services between USA Today and Gannett's local newspapers.
USA Today introduced a paywall for all its online stories in 2021, making all digital content subscription-only.
Answer: False
USA Today introduced a paywall for *some* of its online stories in May 2021, not all, indicating a partial subscription model.
Larry Kramer, a former president of CBS Digital Media, was appointed president and publisher of USA Today in 2012.
Answer: True
Larry Kramer, a media industry veteran and former president of CBS Digital Media, was appointed president and publisher of USA Today in May 2012.
USA Today's OTT channels, *USA Today News* and *USA Today SportsWire*, were relaunched in 2021 as subscription-based streaming services.
Answer: False
USA Today's OTT channels, *USA Today News* and *USA Today SportsWire*, were relaunched in 2021 as free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels, not subscription-based services.
Where did USA Today's corporate headquarters relocate to in 2024?
Answer: New York, NY
In 2024, USA Today's corporate headquarters relocated to New York, NY, operating from Gannett's corporate offices.
In what year did USA Today launch its website for real-time news coverage?
Answer: 1995
USA Today launched its website on April 17, 1995, to provide real-time news coverage.
What was the purpose of USA Today Live, launched in 2000?
Answer: To provide news coverage to broadcast TV stations and integrate with the website
USA Today Live, launched in 2000, was designed to provide news coverage from the newspaper to broadcast television stations and integrate with the USA Today website.
What was a key focus of USA Today's newsroom reorganization in August 2010?
Answer: Shifting focus from print to digital platforms
A key focus of USA Today's 2010 newsroom reorganization was to shift its editorial focus from print to digital platforms, including its website and mobile applications.
What was the primary reason for USA Today's 2012 redesign?
Answer: To commemorate its 30th anniversary and modernize its appearance
The primary reason for USA Today's 2012 redesign was to commemorate its 30th anniversary and to modernize its overall appearance and digital presence.
What was distinctive about the new logo introduced in USA Today's 2012 redesign?
Answer: It featured a large circle that changed colors and images based on daily headlines.
The new logo introduced in the 2012 redesign featured a large circle that changed colors and images to represent that day's top headlines, acting as an infographic.
The 'Gravity' ad unit, part of USA Today's 2012 website redesign, won which award in 2016?
Answer: Digiday's Best Publishing Innovation in Advertising
The 'Gravity' ad unit, part of USA Today's 2012 website redesign, won Digiday's Best Publishing Innovation in Advertising in 2016.
What was the 'Butterfly' initiative, launched by Gannett in 2013?
Answer: An internal project to test a condensed daily edition of USA Today
The 'Butterfly' initiative was an internal Gannett project launched in 2013 to test a condensed daily edition of USA Today as an insert in local newspapers.
What is the primary function of the USA Today Network, launched in 2015?
Answer: To facilitate shared content between USA Today and Gannett's local newspapers
The USA Today Network, launched in 2015, is a national digital newsgathering service that facilitates shared content and advertising services between USA Today and Gannett's local newspapers.
When did USA Today introduce a paywall for some of its online stories?
Answer: 2021
USA Today introduced a paywall for some of its online stories in May 2021, marking a shift in its digital content access strategy.
Who was appointed president and publisher of USA Today in May 2012?
Answer: Larry Kramer
Larry Kramer, a media industry veteran, was appointed president and publisher of USA Today in May 2012.
USA Today's Over-the-top (OTT) channels, *USA Today News* and *USA Today SportsWire*, were relaunched in 2021 as what type of channels?
Answer: Free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels
USA Today's OTT channels, *USA Today News* and *USA Today SportsWire*, were relaunched in 2021 as free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels.
In 2004, a senior foreign correspondent for USA Today was found to have plagiarized several articles, leading to their resignation.
Answer: False
In 2004, Jack Kelley, a senior foreign correspondent, resigned from USA Today after being found to have fabricated foreign news reports, not plagiarized articles.
Journalist Gabriela Miranda's articles were removed in 2022 due to accusations of plagiarism from other news outlets.
Answer: False
Journalist Gabriela Miranda's articles were removed in 2022 due to an internal investigation finding she had fabricated sources, not due to plagiarism accusations from other news outlets.
USA Today maintained a policy of not endorsing presidential candidates from 1984 until 2020.
Answer: False
USA Today maintained its non-endorsement policy from 1984 until 2016, when its editorial board condemned Donald Trump's candidacy.
In 2016, USA Today's editorial board issued a qualified endorsement for Hillary Clinton while condemning Donald Trump.
Answer: False
In 2016, USA Today's editorial board condemned Donald Trump but did not issue an endorsement, qualified or otherwise, for Hillary Clinton due to a lack of consensus among its members.
USA Today faced criticism in 2018 for publishing an op-ed by Jerome Corsi, who was known for promoting conspiracy theories.
Answer: True
In February 2018, USA Today faced criticism for publishing an op-ed by Jerome Corsi, known for promoting false conspiracy theories, identifying him as an 'author' and 'investigative journalist'.
USA Today endorsed a presidential candidate for the first time in 2020, supporting Joe Biden.
Answer: True
USA Today endorsed a presidential candidate for the first time in 2020, supporting Democratic nominee Joe Biden, while also publishing an opposing editorial.
The Boston University Library rated USA Today as 'leans liberal' based on its 2012 presidential election endorsements.
Answer: False
The Boston University Library rated USA Today as 'moderate' in 2012, making it the only one of 42 prominent American daily newspapers to receive that rating based on its editorial endorsements.
What ethical issue led to Jack Kelley's resignation from USA Today in 2004?
Answer: Fabrication of foreign news reports
Jack Kelley resigned from USA Today in 2004 after an investigation revealed he had fabricated foreign news reports over a decade.
Journalist Gabriela Miranda's articles were removed in 2022 due to what ethical violation?
Answer: Fabrication of sources
Journalist Gabriela Miranda's articles were removed in 2022 after an internal investigation found she had fabricated sources in her reports.
From 1984 until what year did USA Today maintain a policy of not endorsing presidential candidates?
Answer: 2016
USA Today maintained its policy of not endorsing presidential candidates from the 1984 election until 2016, when its editorial board condemned Donald Trump.
In 2016, USA Today's editorial board took what stance regarding Hillary Clinton's presidential candidacy?
Answer: They did not issue an endorsement, unable to reach a consensus.
In 2016, while condemning Donald Trump, USA Today's editorial board did not endorse Hillary Clinton, as members could not reach a consensus on her candidacy.
What controversy did USA Today face in February 2018?
Answer: Publishing an op-ed by Jerome Corsi, known for conspiracy theories.
In February 2018, USA Today faced criticism for publishing an op-ed by Jerome Corsi, who was known for promoting false conspiracy theories.
When did USA Today endorse a presidential candidate for the first time?
Answer: 2020
USA Today endorsed a presidential candidate for the first time in 2020, supporting Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
How was USA Today rated by the Boston University Library regarding political leaning in 2012?
Answer: Moderate
In 2012, the Boston University Library rated USA Today as 'moderate' based on its editorial endorsements, a unique rating among prominent American daily newspapers.
*USA Weekend* was a weekly sports magazine that ceased publication in 2014.
Answer: False
*USA Weekend* was a national Sunday magazine supplement, not a sports magazine, and it ceased publication in December 2014.
*USA Today Sports Weekly* debuted in 1991 as *USA Today Baseball Weekly*.
Answer: True
*USA Today Sports Weekly* debuted in 1991 as *USA Today Baseball Weekly*, providing news and statistics for various sports.
The Big Lead is a sports blog launched by USA Today in 2012, exclusively covering professional sports.
Answer: False
The Big Lead is a sports blog operated by USA Today, launched in 2006, that covers sports, politics, and pop culture, not exclusively professional sports.
*USA Today: The Television Show* was a highly successful news magazine series that ran for several years.
Answer: False
*USA Today: The Television Show* received poor reviews and low ratings, leading to its cancellation in November 1989, just over a year after its premiere.
*VRtually There* was a weekly virtual reality news program that presented stories from a first-person perspective.
Answer: True
*VRtually There*, launched in 2016, was a weekly virtual reality news program produced by the USA Today Network, presenting stories from a first-person perspective.
*For the Win* was USA Today's first sports property dedicated to social news.
Answer: True
*For the Win*, launched in April 2013, was USA Today's first sports property dedicated to social news, covering various sports, pop culture, and video games.
The *USA Today* Minor League Player of the Year Award was first presented in 1982.
Answer: False
The *USA Today* Minor League Player of the Year Award was first presented in 1988, not 1982.
The *USA Today* All-USA High School Football Team award includes rankings for national Super 25 teams.
Answer: True
The *USA Today* All-USA High School Football Team award includes rankings for national Super 25 teams and regional Top 10 teams, recognizing outstanding high school players.
USA Today has been parodied in popular culture, including in *The Simpsons* and *Futurama*.
Answer: True
USA Today has been parodied in various popular culture works, including *The Harvard Lampoon*, *Back to the Future Part II*, *The Simpsons*, and *Futurama*.
What was *USA Weekend*, a sister publication to USA Today?
Answer: A national Sunday magazine supplement
*USA Weekend* was a national Sunday magazine supplement, acquired by Gannett in 1985, that focused on social issues, entertainment, health, food, and travel.
What is *USA Today Sports Weekly* primarily known for?
Answer: Providing news and statistics for various sports in a weekly magazine format
*USA Today Sports Weekly* is a weekly magazine that provides news and statistics for various sports, including Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, NCAA baseball, the National Football League, and NASCAR.
When was The Big Lead, a sports blog operated by USA Today, originally launched?
Answer: 2006
The Big Lead, a sports blog operated by USA Today, was originally launched in February 2006 and acquired by Gannett in 2012.
Why was *USA Today: The Television Show* cancelled in November 1989?
Answer: It received poor reviews and low ratings.
*USA Today: The Television Show* was cancelled in November 1989 due to poor reviews and low ratings, despite its aim to translate the newspaper's concise style to television.
What was *VRtually There*, launched in 2016?
Answer: A weekly virtual reality news program
*VRtually There*, launched in 2016 by the USA Today Network, was a weekly virtual reality news program that presented stories from a first-person perspective.
What was *For the Win* notable for when it launched in April 2013?
Answer: Being the first sports property dedicated to social news.
*For the Win*, launched in April 2013, was notable as USA Today's first sports property dedicated to social news, covering a broad range of sports and pop culture.
The *USA Today* Minor League Player of the Year Award is given annually by a panel of how many baseball experts?
Answer: Thirteen
The *USA Today* Minor League Player of the Year Award is given annually by a thirteen-person panel of baseball experts.
In what year was the *USA Today* All-USA High School Football Team first presented?
Answer: 1982
The *USA Today* All-USA High School Football Team was first presented in 1982, recognizing outstanding high school football players.
Which of the following popular culture works has NOT parodied USA Today?
Answer: *The Daily Show*
USA Today has been parodied in *The Harvard Lampoon*, *Back to the Future Part II*, *The Simpsons*, and *Futurama*, but not *The Daily Show* according to the provided information.