What was the primary revenue source for Penny Press newspapers?

The primary revenue source for Penny Press newspapers was advertisement sales. Penny Press newspapers emerged in the early to mid-19th century and catered to a broader audience by making newspapers more affordable, usually selling them for just a penny. This low price increased circulation and allowed for a larger readership.

With a vast audience, the newspapers generated significant income by selling advertising space rather than relying heavily on direct sales of newspapers or subscriptions. This business model helped to revolutionize the industry, proving that a high volume of sales paired with advertising could be more profitable than traditional methods that depended on higher subscription or sales prices. In this way, Penny Press newspapers utilized the advertising revenue as a means to sustain their operations while also making news accessible to the masses.

Other mentioned revenue sources such as government funding and subscriber fees were not the main focus of Penny Press newspapers, which thrived mostly on the influx of advertising revenue due to their large circulation and broad reach.