Daily Express

Daily Express. The Daily Express is a British national daily middle-market newspaper published in London. Founded in 1900 by Arthur Pearson, it was historically a broadsheet before switching to a tabloid format in 1977. Owned since 2000 by Reach plc, it is known for its distinctive Crusader logo and has been associated with a staunchly Conservative and Eurosceptic editorial stance, particularly under the long ownership of Lord Beaverbrook.

History

The newspaper was launched by Arthur Pearson, founder of Pearson's Magazine, on 24 April 1900, initially as a penny paper aimed at a mass readership. Its fortunes were transformed after its 1912 purchase by Sir Max Aitken, later Lord Beaverbrook, who used it as a powerful platform to support the British Empire and influence politics, including during World War I and World War II. Under Beaverbrook, it became the world's best-selling daily newspaper in the 1930s, championing causes like imperial preference and opposing the appeasement of Nazi Germany. Notable moments include its fervent support for Edward VIII during the Abdication Crisis of 1936 and its pioneering use of features like the crossword puzzle and gossip column. After Beaverbrook's death in 1964, ownership passed to the Express Newspapers group, which later became part of United Newspapers and then Northern & Shell before its acquisition by Reach plc in 2018, with its headquarters moving from its iconic Fleet Street building to 10 Lower Thames Street.

Political stance and controversies

Traditionally a voice for the Conservative right, its editorial line has been strongly Eurosceptic, advocating for Brexit and frequently criticizing the European Union and institutions like the European Court of Human Rights. It has often been aligned with UKIP policies on immigration and sovereignty. The paper has faced significant controversy for its front-page headlines and campaigns, such as its persistent questioning of the innocence of the Guildford Four, its strident opposition to the Human Rights Act 1998, and its coverage of immigration, which has been criticized by the Press Complaints Commission. Its support for political figures has included backing Margaret Thatcher and later promoting Boris Johnson, while its stance on issues like climate change has often been skeptical.

Circulation and readership

Once boasting a circulation exceeding four million under Lord Beaverbrook, its readership has declined significantly in the digital age. From a circulation of over 700,000 in 2000, it fell to approximately 200,000 by 2020, reflecting industry-wide trends affecting print media. Its audience demographic is predominantly older, conservative-leaning, and based outside major metropolitan centers like London. The newspaper maintains a digital presence through its website and social media platforms, but it competes in a crowded market against rivals like the Daily Mail and The Sun.

Sister publications

The Daily Express has historically been part of a larger publishing stable. Its main traditional sister title is the Sunday Express, launched in 1918. Other related publications have included the Daily Star, launched in 1978, and the Daily Star Sunday. The Express magazine portfolio once included titles like OK! magazine, which was owned by former parent company Northern & Shell. All these publications are now under the umbrella of Reach plc, which also owns the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, and numerous regional titles across the United Kingdom.

Editors

The newspaper has been steered by a succession of influential editors who shaped its voice. Key figures include R. D. Blumenfeld (1902–1929), who established its early popular tone, and Arthur Christiansen (1933–1957), who revolutionized its layout and made it a publishing powerhouse. Later editors include Derek Jameson (1977–1980), Peter Hill (2003–2011) during the Northern & Shell era, and Hugh Whittow (2011–2018). The current editor is Gary Jones, appointed in 2018, who previously edited the Sunday Mirror and has overseen its integration into the Reach plc portfolio.

Category:Daily Express Category:1900 establishments in the United Kingdom Category:Newspapers published in London Category:Reach plc