Paul Dacre facts for kids

Paul Michael Dacre (born 14 November 1948) is a well-known English journalist. He was the editor of the British newspaper Daily Mail for a very long time. He is also the editor-in-chief of DMG Media. This company publishes many newspapers and websites, including the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, Metro, and MailOnline.

In October 2018, Dacre became chairman and editor-in-chief of Associated Newspapers. He stepped down as editor of the Daily Mail the next month. He briefly left Associated Newspapers in November 2021. However, he rejoined just three weeks later. This happened after he decided not to try to become the chairman of Ofcom, which is the UK's media regulator.

Early Life and Education

Paul Dacre was born in 1948 and grew up in Arnos Grove, London. His father, Peter Dacre, was also a journalist. His mother, Joan, was a teacher. Paul was the oldest of five sons. One of his brothers, Nigel, later became an editor for ITV news programs.

Dacre went to University College School, which is an independent school in Hampstead. He received a scholarship to attend. During his school holidays, he worked as a messenger at the Sunday Express. Before university, he trained at the Daily Express.

From 1967, he studied English at the University of Leeds. While at university, he became involved with the student newspaper, Union News. He eventually became its editor. At that time, he had more liberal views on topics like gay rights. After graduating in 1971, Dacre joined the Daily Express full-time. He said he always wanted to be a journalist.

Starting His Journalism Career

Dacre first worked for the Daily Express in Belfast for a few years. Then he moved to the London office. In 1976, he was sent to Washington, D.C. to report on the American presidential election. He stayed there until 1979. After that, he moved to New York City as a correspondent.

It was during his time in America that his political views began to change. He said that working in America made him believe strongly in the power of the free market. He felt it could improve the lives of many people.

After his time at the Express, he was hired by David English, who was a top editor at the Daily Mail. Dacre became the head of the Mail's New York office in 1979. He returned to London in 1980. He quickly moved up the ranks at the Mail. He became assistant editor, then executive editor, and finally associate editor.

From March 1991 to July 1992, Dacre was the editor of the Evening Standard newspaper. During this short time, the number of copies sold each day went up by 16%.

Leading the Daily Mail

Paul Dacre became the editor of the Daily Mail in July 1992. He took over from Sir David English. Dacre had previously turned down an offer from Rupert Murdoch to edit The Times. He felt Murdoch would not give him enough freedom as an editor.

Dacre was known for his strong, direct style. He was also very disciplined and hardworking. When he took over the Daily Mail, he was against Britain being part of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism. He also opposed the Maastricht Treaty, which was about closer European ties. He quickly changed the paper's focus, reducing international news content.

After Sir David English passed away in 1998, Dacre also became the editor-in-chief of the Mail Group in July of that year. He continued to be the editor of the Daily Mail at the same time.

Dacre's Editorial Approach

Paul Dacre was known for his strong and traditional views. He made the Daily Mail a powerful voice for middle-class people with conservative opinions. He often influenced public opinion on important political and social issues.

His time as editor was sometimes seen as controversial. Some people criticized the paper for its strong opinions. However, his supporters praised his ability to connect with many readers. Under his leadership, the Daily Mail became famous for its campaigns. For example, in 1997, the paper strongly campaigned for justice for the killers of Stephen Lawrence.

During Dacre's time as editor, the Daily Mail won "Newspaper of the Year" six times at the British Press Awards. This was more than any other newspaper during that period.

Later Career and Retirement

In June 2018, it was announced that Dacre would stop being the editor of the Daily Mail around his 70th birthday in November 2018. In October 2018, he took on a new role as chairman of Associated Newspapers. This company is part of DMGT (Daily Mail & General Trust). He kept his title as editor-in-chief of Associated Newspapers.

Geordie Greig, who was the editor of The Mail on Sunday, was chosen to take over from Dacre. Some people thought Greig's appointment might make the paper's tone less harsh. There was also talk that its strong support for leaving the European Union might become softer. However, Dacre wrote in The Spectator that support for Brexit was "in the DNA" of the Daily Mail and its readers.

In November 2021, Dacre resigned as chairman and editor-in-chief of Associated Newspapers. But just three weeks later, he rejoined the company as editor-in-chief of DMG Media. This happened after he decided not to continue his application to become the chairman of Ofcom, the UK's media regulator.

Personal Life

Paul Dacre met his wife, Kathleen, while they were students at Leeds University. Kathleen is now a professor of drama studies. They have two sons. One son, James Dacre, is a theatre director. Their other son is a businessman. Both of their sons attended Eton College.

For many years, Dacre has been one of the highest-paid newspaper editors in Britain. He owns several homes. These include a home in Belgravia, London, a large farm in Wadhurst, East Sussex, and a home in the British Virgin Islands. He also owns the Langwell Estate in the Scottish Highlands, which is a very large piece of land.

Dacre has received money from the Common Agricultural Policy from the European Union for his farm holdings.