While some Bostonians dismiss the Herald as a tabloid rag, we read the paper everyday. There's often more energy and swagger on the cover of the Herald than in whole sections of the Globe.
For better and for worse, the Herald wields its front page like a blunt object. Previously we discussed how the Herald topped Heath Ledger's death and Tom Brady's ankle with the shocking news that Detroit's casinos were underperforming--and that that spelled doom for Governor Patrick's casino plan.
Still, hours after our post criticizing the article went up, we were talking to a taxi driver who cited the Herald cover as evidence that casinos guarantee trouble (he must have forgotten to check Bostonist before his shift started.)
The Herald is relevant because it helps shape public opinion--and it's more than just one anecdote. A "paper of record"-style piece about gaming policy and tax revenues for the Globe struggles to compete with the power of Herald coverage (and its covers.) Saturday's Herald photo illustration of Patrick is a prime example. Two days later we're still talking about a page 23 story.
The casino debate may be shaping up as Patrick versus Speaker Sal DiMasi, but it's also starring the Herald.
Photo illustration of Gov. Patrick by Gustavo Leon from the Boston Herald.
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