Northern Echo, Westminster Press, The Nation

Joseph’s concern about journalistic standards led to the Rowntree’s acquiring newspapers, primarily through the Social Services Trust. Arnold, Joseph’s nephew, led the Rowntree family foray into newspaper ownership. Their objective was not to establish profit making enterprises but to give a voice to a more Liberal point of view: to create opportunities for influence; and to address concerns about journalistic standards. Arnold became chairman of the Northern Echo, Sheffield Independent and Yorkshire Gazette, regional papers which campaigned on social reform, local government and housing conditions. This group evolved into the Westminster Press. Arnold was one of the group of Liberals who founded The Nation, a small but influential and respected publication which later merged with the New Statesman. Huge losses on two national newspapers owned by the Rowntrees meant that they were quickly sold.

Image: From originals held at the Borthwick Institute for Archives.