Harold Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Rothermere
British press baron who pioneered tabloid journalism and backed fascism.
Rothermere was a pioneer of popular tabloid journalism, and his descendants continue to control the Daily Mail and General Trust.
- field
- Newspaper proprietor, publisher
- nationality
- British
- known_for
- Development of the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror; pioneer of popular tabloid journalism; open support for fascism and Nazi Germany
Lore & Background
Harold Harmsworth was the second son of Alfred and Geraldine Harmsworth. He served briefly as President of the Air Council under David Lloyd George, but was ejected after five months due to his inability to compromise.
Reader's Guide
Harold Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Rothermere, was a transformative figure in British journalism, pioneering the popular tabloid format through the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror. His business acumen built a vast press empire that his descendants still control. However, his legacy is deeply controversial due to his open support for fascism and praise for Nazi Germany and the British Union of Fascists in the 1930s, using his media influence to advocate peaceful relations between Germany and the United Kingdom. Two of his three sons were killed in the First World War, and his personal life was marked by marital breakdown and loneliness. His political career was brief and ineffective, and his elitist views led him to lose faith in democracy. He died in Bermuda after the outbreak of the Second World War dashed his hopes for peace.
Did You Know?
- Two of Rothermere's three sons were killed in action during the First World War.
- He served as President of the Air Council but was ejected after only five months.
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