Faced that newspaper every morning.
10 years
10 years
This I fear has not been a good week for British journalism.
While we have gained a new Scottish Sunday newspaper we have lost that brave experiment in weekly illustrated new journalism—Now!
I have to confess that I dined with them too.
But cheer up—dined with Sunday Express—20 years New page:
The Daily Mail this evening to celebrate its 10th anniversary as a tabloid. And a very good tabloid it is, if I may say so.
David English sees some similarity between his early struggles to establish the new Daily Mail and the trial of my Government during its first two years. Just as he kept his nerve, so we shall keep ours—and win through. [end p1]
And if I were looking for good omens I would not seek further than your birthday, May 3, 1971—eight years to the day before the British electorate voted me into No. 10. New page:
I look forward to being around at least as long in my capacity as David English has been in his. He is, of course, the longest serving daily newspaper editor in Fleet Street.
Meanwhile, I take heart from the Daily Mail's example. It shows what can be achieved by decisive and determined leadership which has a clear idea of where it wants to go and how to get there. New page:
Tabloid.
That leadership, given by Vere Harmsworth and David English, has converted a dying broadsheet which lost 32.4 million in its final year into a profitable tabloid which last year made a profit of £7.5 million.
You became a great newspaper through [end p2] will, determination & sheer professionalism. New page:
All this, Peanuts, Flook and Fred Bassett, too. Not to mention the courage to see the Moonies through the courts.
Of course—had been a previous tradition of success. New page:
Northcliffe.
Founded by Northcliffe—became the first daily newspaper to reach a million sale.
Created an independent press with its own resources from advertisements.
‘Heaven forbid, Northcliffe wrote that I should ever be in Downing Street. I believe the independent newspaper to be one of the future forms of govt.’
Pride that you a thorn in the side of politicians. New page
Thorn in the side of all sorts of people—including politicians—you are sent to try us—in more ways than one. [end p3]
In olden days, men had the rack—now they have the Press.
Really believes in Britain & the British people. New page:
They aren't taken in by double speak politicians.
People's democracy
People's justice
People's rights
Public conscience sprang from an individual conscience
Public responsibility
&
Personal responsibility.
Freedom to abuse freedom make mistakes
Protect by rule of law New page
Knew that
To reduce inflationary expectations
For a new international ec order
For an index-linked social security benefit
For informed caring illegible word [end p4]
Fight—because this is a free country.
Card vote
Closed shop
Campaign for Freedom run by Mr Benn. New page
You in 1970s chose the challenge.
Successful & controversial
Proof that you can succeed in Fleet Street if you produce the right product under strong determined leadership. New page
Really believe in Britain.