Paul Dacre facts for kids

Paul Michael Dacre (born 14 November 1948) is an English journalist. He is famous for being the editor of the British newspaper the Daily Mail for many years.

He is also the editor-in-chief of DMG Media. This company publishes the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, and the free daily paper Metro. It also runs the popular website MailOnline.

Dacre stepped down as editor of the Daily Mail in 2018. He then became the chairman and editor-in-chief of Associated Newspapers, the company that owns the Mail. He briefly left the company in November 2021 but returned three weeks later.

Early Life and Education

Paul Dacre was born in Arnos Grove, a part of north London. His father, Peter, was also a journalist who wrote for the Sunday Express. His mother, Joan, was a teacher. Paul was the oldest of their five sons.

Dacre went to University College School in London on a scholarship. During his school holidays, he worked as a messenger at the Sunday Express. After high school, he worked as a trainee at the Daily Express.

In 1967, he started studying English at the University of Leeds. While at university, he became the editor of the student newspaper. He said this experience taught him that "sensation sells papers."

After graduating in 1971, Dacre began working full-time for the Daily Express.

Beginning His Career

Dacre started his journalism career at the Express. He worked in Belfast and London before being sent to the United States. He moved to Washington D.C. in 1976 and later to New York City.

His time in America had a big impact on his political views. He became a strong believer in the free market. He felt that it helped improve the lives of ordinary people more than government control could.

In 1979, he was hired by the Daily Mail to run its New York office. He returned to London in 1980 and held several senior roles at the newspaper. For a short time, from 1991 to 1992, he was the editor of the Evening Standard.

Editor of the Daily Mail

Taking the Top Job

In July 1992, Dacre became the editor of the Daily Mail. He took over from Sir David English, who became editor-in-chief.

At the time, Dacre was known for being against Britain's close ties with the European Union. This was different from the previous editor, who was more supportive of Europe. Under Dacre, the newspaper's focus shifted more towards British news and issues.

After Sir David English passed away in 1998, Dacre also became the editor-in-chief of the Mail Group.

The Stephen Lawrence Case

One of Dacre's most famous campaigns was in 1997. It was about the 1993 murder of a black teenager named Stephen Lawrence. The men suspected of the crime had been found not guilty.

The Daily Mail published a front-page story on 14 February 1997. The headline was "MURDERERS" above pictures of the five suspects. The newspaper wrote: "The Mail accuses these men of killing. If we are wrong, let them sue us."

None of the men sued the newspaper. This campaign was seen as a very bold move. In 2012, two of the men featured on the front page were finally convicted of Stephen's murder. Many people praised the Daily Mail for its role in seeking justice for the Lawrence family.

Relationship with Politics

Under Dacre, the Daily Mail became a very influential newspaper in British politics. For a short time, it was positive about the New Labour government led by Tony Blair. However, the relationship soon soured. Dacre became a strong critic of Blair's government.

Dacre had a better relationship with Gordon Brown, who was Chancellor and later Prime Minister. In 2003, Brown praised Dacre, calling him "an editor of great distinction."

The newspaper has often been described as Eurosceptic, meaning it is critical of the European Union. However, it sometimes supported politicians who were pro-EU, like Kenneth Clarke.

When David Cameron became leader of the Conservative Party, Dacre was not always supportive. He questioned whether the party was still truly conservative.

Leading the Newspaper

Dacre was known for being a very hands-on and demanding editor. He was famous for his energetic and sometimes loud style in the newsroom. He believed this energy helped create great headlines.

The Daily Mail under Dacre focused on what it saw as traditional family values. It often wrote about issues that it believed were important to its readers in suburban areas. Dacre said he was proud that the Mail stood up for its readers.

Many other newspaper editors admired Dacre's skill. He won polls as the most admired editor among his peers. Even his critics have said he was a "technically brilliant" editor.

Major Issues and Campaigns

Brexit and the EU Referendum

The Daily Mail was a leading voice for leaving the European Union. This became known as Brexit. In the months before the 2016 EU referendum, the paper ran many stories critical of the EU.

On the day before the vote, the newspaper's front page urged its readers: "If You Believe in Britain, Vote Leave".

After the UK voted to leave, the Daily Mail strongly supported Theresa May to become the next Prime Minister. The paper praised her as a steady leader for the country.

In November 2016, the High Court ruled that Parliament had to vote on leaving the EU. The Daily Mail published a controversial front page calling the judges "Enemies of the People". This headline was widely criticised for attacking the judges.

The Ralph Miliband Article

In 2013, the Daily Mail published an article about Ralph Miliband, the late father of the Labour Party leader at the time, Ed Miliband. The article was titled "The Man Who Hated Britain."

Ed Miliband was very upset and wrote a response, which the newspaper published. The original article caused a lot of debate. Many politicians, including Prime Minister David Cameron, supported Ed Miliband's right to defend his father.

Dacre later defended the article. He said it was part of a "full-scale war by the BBC and the left against the paper that is their most vocal critic."

Later Career

In June 2018, it was announced that Dacre would step down as editor of the Daily Mail. He became chairman of Associated Newspapers. He was succeeded as editor by Geordie Greig, who had been the editor of The Mail on Sunday.

Dacre insisted that the Daily Mail would continue to support Brexit. He said it was in the "DNA" of the newspaper and its readers.

In November 2021, Dacre left his role at Associated Newspapers. However, he returned just three weeks later as editor-in-chief of DMG Media. This happened after he decided not to pursue the role of chairman for Ofcom, the UK's media regulator.

Personal Life

Dacre is married to Kathleen, a professor of drama studies. They have two sons.

For many years, Dacre was the highest-paid newspaper editor in Britain. His London home is in Belgravia. He also owns a large farm in East Sussex and an estate in the Scottish Highlands.