Final answer:
Penny papers were inexpensive newspapers that broadened access to news, with the New York Sun being the first one founded in 1833, signifying a significant change in media and public engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Penny papers were cheap newspapers that made news accessible to a broader public, greatly expanding the readership beyond the wealthy class. These newspapers emerged in the United States during the 1830s, with the New York Sun, founded by Benjamin Day in 1833, being the first. The advent of penny papers such as the New York Sun represented a significant shift in the media landscape, leveraging new technological advancements in printing and distribution to lower costs. This democratization of news not only increased access to information but also played a role in shaping public opinion and civic participation.