In early December 1962, workers at four major New York City newspapers, including the New York Times and the New York Post, initiated a strike that highlighted ongoing labor disputes in the newspaper industry. The Graphic Arts International Union, representing workers at these publications, raised issues regarding wages and working conditions as negotiations with newspaper managers faltered. The strike began as a local affair but quickly gathered momentum, leading to participation from nine newspapers in total, including the Journal-American and the Herald Tribune.

As the strike unfolded, it became one of the longest in the history of the newspaper industry in New York City, lasting a full 114 days. The absence of daily newspapers significantly impacted the public, as many turned to alternative news sources like television and radio for their information. The strike drew significant attention from media outlets, unions, and political figures, adding pressure to resolve the labor dispute. Union leaders argued that wages had not kept pace with rising living costs, while management criticized the union for their tactics.

The strike concluded in March 1963 when an agreement was finally reached. The negotiations led to some improvements in pay and working conditions, although the strike revealed deep-seated tensions between labor and management within the newspaper industry. This event not only marked a significant episode in labor history but also changed the landscape of media consumption in New York City, as the public adapted to the prolonged absence of print newspapers.