The Media Owners’ Perspective: Why UK Newspapers Continue to Oppose EU

In the United Kingdom, the opposition to the European Union among many newspaper proprietors has been a consistent and longstanding phenomenon. This opposition is not without its reasons, as evidenced by the recent EU Directive on transparency rules for intermediaries and taxpayers. Since 2012 when these rules were proposed, the right-wing media has amplified its rhetoric with vitriol and misinformation. Understanding these motives is crucial to comprehending the broader political landscape in the UK.

Ignorance and Fear

The primary purchasers of newspapers in the UK are often those who are frightfully ignorant, despite the availability of high-quality journalism from sources like the BBC. These individuals predominantly consume right-wing media such as the daily Mail, which perpetuates misinformation and fosters fear. This fear is then exploited by populist politicians, creating a harmful cycle. Many media owners have a wide array of motives, but underlying many of them lies a desire for personal gain.

Ethical and Political Beliefs

Media owners hold diverse ethical and political beliefs that prioritize personal gain. They are notably opposed to the EU due to various factors that directly affect their interests:

Tax Avoidance and Offshore Banking

The EU has been threatening to introduce measures to clamp down on tax avoidance and offshore banking. This presents a significant threat to the financial interests of media owners, making it a major point of opposition.

Financial Deregulation Post-Brexit

There is a concern among the media owners that there may be more financial deregulation in the wake of a no-deal Brexit. Such deregulation could pose further threats to their financial interests. As we analyze the ownerships of major UK newspapers, it becomes clear why they would resist the EU.

Ownership Analysis

The major media groups in the UK, owning eight out of the top ten best-selling newspapers, have diverse financial structures and varying stakes in the outcome of Brexit. Here’s a closer look at the key players:

News Corp and Rupert Murdoch

News Corp, an international media giant with assets including Sky TV and Fox News, is owned by Rupert Murdoch. As a foreign national and non-resident, Murdoch stands to gain from any deregulation and tax breaks that may result from Brexit, while avoiding any personal repercussions.

The Rothermere Family

The Rothermere family owns the Mail and Express groups, with a history of supporting far-right ideologies. Current owner, Jonathan Harmsworth, has non-domiciled tax status and a French passport, insulating him from the potential negative impacts of Brexit while benefiting from any deregulation.

Northern Shell and Richard Desmond

Richard Desmond, known as “Dirty Dick” for his pornographic connections, owned the Express and Star groups. Desmond’s politically charged donations during the 2015 general election to UKIP further illustrate his intentions. He sold the paper in 2018 to the Trinity Mirror group, which includes Daily Mirror and others.

The Telegraph and the Barclay Brothers

The Telegraph and its various UK variants are also owned by the Barclay brothers, based in tax havens like Jersey. With their offshore interests, the brothers are similarly insulated from Brexit's personal impact while poised to benefit from financial deregulation.

Conclusion

The opposition to the EU among UK newspaper proprietors is complex, driven by a mix of ethical and financial motives. As the landscape continues to evolve with potential further EU legislation, understanding the vested interests of these media owners remains crucial for comprehending their positions.