The first issue of "The Newspaper of Record" was published in the New York Times on October 26, 1924, and the term came from the fact that the Times newspaper included an index. Those who dislike the New York Times occasionally refer to it as the "toilet paper of record." The title "paper of record" is a reference to the official nature of newspapers at that time. Before the advent of radio and television, they were the only source for news and information. They reported on the doings of government officials and companies, issued weather forecasts, and published articles about current events and controversies. As well, they contained advertisements from businesses seeking customers. In addition to being an official source of information, newspapers were also used as tools for political advocacy. They often took positions on issues before them, such as elections, and used their readership to support those positions. For example, the Chicago Tribune originally supported Democratic candidates for office, but later became more independent because its editor did not want to be tied down to a single party. The New York Times has always taken a liberal position on issues before the court, and both it and the Washington Post publish op-ed pieces by individuals who support or oppose bills before Congress. By calling the New York Times the "paper of record," people knew that it would report on important events and issues before them accurately and in detail.