The alt.usage.english FAQ   

• "Enquiring minds want to know." (notes by James Kiso)

  (Phrase Origins)
  
  

  
     This originated as a slogan used in TV ads in the 1980s by the
  National Enquirer.  The Enquirer (based in Lantana, Florida; not to
  be confused with Philadelphia Inquirer, a fine paper) is the
  largest-selling "news" weekly in the U.S.; it belongs to the
  sensationalistic genre known as "supermarket tabloids" or "checkout-
  line rags" because the most familiar points of distribution are racks
  near supermarket checkout lines.
  
     The ads featured a series of "ear-catching" headlines from recent
  issues followed by actors (I hope) miming surprise at the revelation.
  The stories ranged from amazing weight-loss diets based on the intake
  of broccoli and ice cream to the tragic story of Michael Jackson's
  unrequited love for Liz Taylor.  A following voice-over would say,
  "Enquiring minds want to know."

  
  
  Source: [Mark Israel, 'Phrase Origins: "Enquiring minds want to know." (notes by James Kiso)', The alt.usage.english FAQ file,(line 4705), (29 Sept 1997)]
  
  
  
  

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