Final answer:
The expansion of roads and waterways, which decreased distribution costs, along with advances in the technology of printing and paper making like the linotype machine and the switch from rag paper to wood pulp paper, contributed to newspapers in the 1830s lowering their prices.
Step-by-step explanation:
In addition to new technology, one major factor that contributed to newspapers in the 1830s lowering their prices was the expansion of roads and waterways. This infrastructure improvement made the distribution of printed materials less expensive and thus allowed for lower subscription costs and wider distribution of newspapers. This era saw the rise of the penny press, an affordable type of newspaper that expanded their content beyond just news to include gossip, racing, weather, and educational materials, thus appealing to a broader audience. Over time, as the technology further improved with inventions like the linotype machine, and paper made from wood pulp became cheaper, publishing newspapers became even more cost-effective, allowing for even greater circulation and variety.