Financial News (1884–1945): Difference between revisions
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The '''''Financial News''''' was a daily [[United Kingdom|British]] [[List of newspapers in the United Kingdom|newspaper]] published in [[London]]. It was founded in 1884 by Harry Marks, who had begun on [[Newspapers in the United States|United States newspapers]], and set up |
The '''''Financial News''''' was a daily [[United Kingdom|British]] [[List of newspapers in the United Kingdom|newspaper]] published in [[London]]. It was founded in 1884 by Harry Marks, who had begun on [[Newspapers in the United States|United States newspapers]], and set up to expose [[Fraud|fraudulent]] investments. Marks himself was key to the paper's early growth, when it had a buccaneering life fighting against corruption and competing with the ''[[Financial Times]]'', but after Marks' death it declined. Bought by publishers [[Eyre & Spottiswoode]] in 1928 and run by [[Brendan Bracken]], it eventually merged with its great rival in 1945. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The first four-page edition of the ''Financial and Mining News'' appeared on 23 January 1884; it adopted the shorter title that July.<ref name="Early history">Dilwyn Porter, "'A Trusted Guide of the Investing Public': Harry Marks and the ''Financial News'' 1884-1916" in R.P.T. Davenport-Hines, "Speculators and patriots: essays in business biography", Routledge, 1986, p. 3.</ref> Founder [[Henry Marks]] imported techniques he had learned in the United States to target those offering questionable investment schemes, intending that his paper be known for campaigning.<ref name="Marks established">George Robb, "White-Collar Crime in Modern England", [[Cambridge University Press]], 2002, p. 116.</ref> |
The first four-page edition of the ''Financial and Mining News'' appeared on 23 January 1884; it adopted the shorter title that July.<ref name="Early history">Dilwyn Porter, "'A Trusted Guide of the Investing Public': Harry Marks and the ''Financial News'' 1884-1916" in R.P.T. Davenport-Hines, "Speculators and patriots: essays in business biography", Routledge, 1986, p. 3.</ref> Founder [[Henry Marks]] imported techniques he had learned in the United States to target those offering questionable investment schemes, intending that his paper be known for campaigning.<ref name="Marks established">George Robb, "White-Collar Crime in Modern England", [[Cambridge University Press]], 2002, p. 116.</ref> |
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The newspaper scored an early significant success in exposing corruption in [[local government in London|local government]]. Marks himself was the one of the main authors of a series of articles |
The newspaper scored an early significant success in exposing corruption in [[local government in London|local government]]. Marks himself was the one of the main authors of a series of articles that began appearing on 25 October 1886 and carried on for nearly a year. The newspaper uncovered the involvement of officials and members of the [[Metropolitan Board of Works]], which ran local government services in London, in schemes to personally enrich themselves.<ref name="MBW corruption">David E. Owen, "The Government of Victorian London", Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1982, p. 175.</ref> However the early years saw the company frequently summoned to the law courts to defend [[libel]] actions; there were three major cases between 1888 and 1890.<ref name="Libel cases">Kynaston, 29-30</ref> |
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The paper gained a rival in 1888 when the ''[[Financial Times]]'' published by [[Horatio Bottomley]] appeared. The two papers frequently attacked each others' advertisers, and criticised the investment schemes the other promoted, until a truce was worked out after a bad-tempered dispute over "the Nitrate King" Colonel [[John Thomas North|J. T. North]] who was developing the Nitrate Railway in South America. After then they continued to compete, but more in the nature of a friendly rivalry.<ref name="FT truce">Kynaston, 23-5</ref> |
The paper gained a rival in 1888 when the ''[[Financial Times]]'' published by [[Horatio Bottomley]] appeared. The two papers frequently attacked each others' advertisers, and criticised the investment schemes the other promoted, until a truce was worked out after a bad-tempered dispute over "the Nitrate King" Colonel [[John Thomas North|J. T. North]] who was developing the Nitrate Railway in South America. After then they continued to compete, but more in the nature of a friendly rivalry.<ref name="FT truce">Kynaston, 23-5</ref> |
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It was a financially successful venture and in March 1898 Marks floated the company on the stock market, with the understanding that he would continue as editor.<ref name="Share offer">"The Financial News, Limited." (advert), ''The Times'', 21 March 1898, p. 4.</ref> Its success continued and at the ordinary general meeting in January 1911, the company announced a dividend and bonus amounting to 35% on ordinary shares; the announcement brought cheers.<ref name="35% dividend">"The Financial News (Limited)", ''The Times'', 19 January 1911, p. 16.</ref> The paper was |
It was a financially successful venture and in March 1898 Marks floated the company on the stock market, with the understanding that he would continue as editor.<ref name="Share offer">"The Financial News, Limited." (advert), ''The Times'', 21 March 1898, p. 4.</ref> Its success continued and at the ordinary general meeting in January 1911, the company announced a dividend and bonus amounting to 35% on ordinary shares; the announcement brought cheers.<ref name="35% dividend">"The Financial News (Limited)", ''The Times'', 19 January 1911, p. 16.</ref> The paper was among those that exposed the details of the [[Marconi scandal]]. |
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===Marks' departure=== |
===Marks' departure=== |
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Handing over the editorship in 1909 to Ellis Powell, Marks remained the controlling influence as proprietor.<ref name="Powell editor">Griffiths, 314</ref> He suffered increasing bouts of ill health due to [[gout]] and had at least one [[stroke]] in 1915, and was forced to cease any active involvement in the newspaper; he died in December 1916. Although he left his interest to a nephew, the existing board fought off his attempts to take control.<ref name="Marks ill health">Kynaston, 79-81</ref> Eventually the Marks estate was sold in 1919 and most of the ''Financial News'' shares were bought by [[Sir John Jarvis, 1st Baronet|John Jarvis]]. In 1926 it was sold again to the Trireme Trust, although with Jarvis remaining chairman; however mounting losses of the ''[[Morning Post]]'' which the Trust also owned forced another sale in 1928.<ref name="Jarvis-Trireme">Kynaston, 100-1</ref> |
Handing over the editorship in 1909 to Ellis Powell, Marks remained the controlling influence as proprietor.<ref name="Powell editor">Griffiths, 314</ref> He suffered increasing bouts of ill health due to [[gout]] and had at least one [[stroke]] in 1915, and was forced to cease any active involvement in the newspaper; he died in December 1916. Although he left his interest to a nephew, the existing board fought off his attempts to take control.<ref name="Marks ill health">Kynaston, 79-81</ref> Eventually the Marks estate was sold in 1919 and most of the ''Financial News'' shares were bought by [[Sir John Jarvis, 1st Baronet|John Jarvis]]. In 1926 it was sold again to the Trireme Trust, although with Jarvis remaining chairman; however mounting losses of the ''[[Morning Post]],'' which the Trust also owned, forced another sale in 1928.<ref name="Jarvis-Trireme">Kynaston, 100-1</ref> |
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===Brendan Bracken=== |
===Brendan Bracken=== |
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===Merger and closure=== |
===Merger and closure=== |
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During [[World War II]], Bracken became close to [[William Berry, 1st Viscount Camrose|Lord Camrose]], the proprietor since 1919 of the ''Financial Times''. The two privately agreed to raise their advertising rates |
During [[World War II]], Bracken became close to [[William Berry, 1st Viscount Camrose|Lord Camrose]], the proprietor since 1919 of the ''Financial Times''. The two privately agreed to raise their advertising rates to protect their finances, and eventually agreed that the other would have first refusal if one wanted to sell. Towards the end of the war, Camrose decided to sell the ''Financial Times'', and arrangements for a merger were put in place. The financial deal was a complex one: the ''Financial News'' raised the cost of buying a controlling interest in the ''Financial Times'' by selling its own offices and investments, and by a share issue, but could only make up the full amount by simultaneously selling to the ''Financial Times'' the [[copyright]] and goodwill of the ''Financial News''. Camrose himself bought some ''Financial News'' shares to help the deal along.<ref name="Financial deal">Kynaston, 142-4</ref> |
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The ''Financial News'' ceased publication on 1 October 1945; the ''Financial Times'' afterwards at first appeared with the title "Financial Times, incorporating The Financial News".<ref name="FT merger">"The Financial Times" (advertisement), ''The Times'', 1 October 1945, p. 9.</ref> The three top jobs in the new merged paper went to former ''Financial News'' employees, including Parkinson as editor.<ref name="Merged paper">Kynaston, 145</ref> |
The ''Financial News'' ceased publication on 1 October 1945; the ''Financial Times'' afterwards at first appeared with the title "Financial Times, incorporating The Financial News".<ref name="FT merger">"The Financial Times" (advertisement), ''The Times'', 1 October 1945, p. 9.</ref> The three top jobs in the new merged paper went to former ''Financial News'' employees, including Parkinson as editor.<ref name="Merged paper">Kynaston, 145</ref> |
Revision as of 17:18, 15 June 2010
The Financial News was a daily British newspaper published in London. It was founded in 1884 by Harry Marks, who had begun on United States newspapers, and set up to expose fraudulent investments. Marks himself was key to the paper's early growth, when it had a buccaneering life fighting against corruption and competing with the Financial Times, but after Marks' death it declined. Bought by publishers Eyre & Spottiswoode in 1928 and run by Brendan Bracken, it eventually merged with its great rival in 1945.
History
Early history
The first four-page edition of the Financial and Mining News appeared on 23 January 1884; it adopted the shorter title that July.[1] Founder Henry Marks imported techniques he had learned in the United States to target those offering questionable investment schemes, intending that his paper be known for campaigning.[2]
The newspaper scored an early significant success in exposing corruption in local government. Marks himself was the one of the main authors of a series of articles that began appearing on 25 October 1886 and carried on for nearly a year. The newspaper uncovered the involvement of officials and members of the Metropolitan Board of Works, which ran local government services in London, in schemes to personally enrich themselves.[3] However the early years saw the company frequently summoned to the law courts to defend libel actions; there were three major cases between 1888 and 1890.[4]
The paper gained a rival in 1888 when the Financial Times published by Horatio Bottomley appeared. The two papers frequently attacked each others' advertisers, and criticised the investment schemes the other promoted, until a truce was worked out after a bad-tempered dispute over "the Nitrate King" Colonel J. T. North who was developing the Nitrate Railway in South America. After then they continued to compete, but more in the nature of a friendly rivalry.[5]
It was a financially successful venture and in March 1898 Marks floated the company on the stock market, with the understanding that he would continue as editor.[6] Its success continued and at the ordinary general meeting in January 1911, the company announced a dividend and bonus amounting to 35% on ordinary shares; the announcement brought cheers.[7] The paper was among those that exposed the details of the Marconi scandal.
Marks' departure
Handing over the editorship in 1909 to Ellis Powell, Marks remained the controlling influence as proprietor.[8] He suffered increasing bouts of ill health due to gout and had at least one stroke in 1915, and was forced to cease any active involvement in the newspaper; he died in December 1916. Although he left his interest to a nephew, the existing board fought off his attempts to take control.[9] Eventually the Marks estate was sold in 1919 and most of the Financial News shares were bought by John Jarvis. In 1926 it was sold again to the Trireme Trust, although with Jarvis remaining chairman; however mounting losses of the Morning Post, which the Trust also owned, forced another sale in 1928.[10]
Brendan Bracken
The new ownership was put together by Brendan Bracken, who had been elected to the board of Eyre & Spottiswoode. Bracken persuaded the board to buy the Financial News and then bought a number of other publications (the Investors Chronicle and a half-share in The Economist among them); Bracken himself took responsibility for the Financial News.[11] In the early 1930s, circulation rose, but the Financial Times was still selling about three or four times as many copies. In Spring 1937 sales hit 10,000, but only briefly.[12]
When Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany, the Financial News leader was headed "Heil Hitler!"; it argued that Hitler was the prisoner of the non-Nazi majority in his government, and that the Nazis were highly unlikely to "attempt to base their power on armed force".[13] However, the paper soon changed its line, arguing at the time of the occupation of the Rhineland that a stand would have to be taken against German military aggression.[14] Hargreaves Parkinson became editor in 1938.
Merger and closure
During World War II, Bracken became close to Lord Camrose, the proprietor since 1919 of the Financial Times. The two privately agreed to raise their advertising rates to protect their finances, and eventually agreed that the other would have first refusal if one wanted to sell. Towards the end of the war, Camrose decided to sell the Financial Times, and arrangements for a merger were put in place. The financial deal was a complex one: the Financial News raised the cost of buying a controlling interest in the Financial Times by selling its own offices and investments, and by a share issue, but could only make up the full amount by simultaneously selling to the Financial Times the copyright and goodwill of the Financial News. Camrose himself bought some Financial News shares to help the deal along.[15]
The Financial News ceased publication on 1 October 1945; the Financial Times afterwards at first appeared with the title "Financial Times, incorporating The Financial News".[16] The three top jobs in the new merged paper went to former Financial News employees, including Parkinson as editor.[17]
References
- ^ Dilwyn Porter, "'A Trusted Guide of the Investing Public': Harry Marks and the Financial News 1884-1916" in R.P.T. Davenport-Hines, "Speculators and patriots: essays in business biography", Routledge, 1986, p. 3.
- ^ George Robb, "White-Collar Crime in Modern England", Cambridge University Press, 2002, p. 116.
- ^ David E. Owen, "The Government of Victorian London", Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1982, p. 175.
- ^ Kynaston, 29-30
- ^ Kynaston, 23-5
- ^ "The Financial News (Limited)", The Times, 19 January 1911, p. 16.
- ^ Griffiths, 314
- ^ Kynaston, 79-81
- ^ Kynaston, 100-1
- ^ Griffiths, 300-1
- ^ Kynaston, 123
- ^ "Heil Hitler!" (leader), Financial News, 31 January 1933.
- ^ Kynaston, 128-9
- ^ Kynaston, 142-4
- ^ "The Financial Times" (advertisement), The Times, 1 October 1945, p. 9.
- ^ Kynaston, 145
Sources
- Griffiths, Dennis. Fleet Street: Five hundred years of the Press. British Library, 2006
- Kynaston, David. The Financial Times: A Centenary History. Viking, 1988