The era of the press barons

The era of the press barons is often seen as a maverick interlude in the development of the press when newspapers became subject to the whims and caprices of their owners. According to this view, the press barons built vast press empires and ruled them like personal fiefdoms. In the hands of men like Beaverbrook and Rothermere, newspapers became mere ‘engines of propaganda’ manipulated in order to further their political ambitions. As Baldwin said in a memorable sentence (suggested to him by his cousin, Rudyard Kipling), ‘What proprietorship of these papers is aiming at is power, and power without responsibility – the prerogative of the harlot throughout the ages.’