Mugshots with Michael Crick

Paul Dacre: Dark Lord of the Mail

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Episode notes

In-depth profiles from award-winning journalist Michael Crick, formerly of Newsnight, Panorama and Channel 4. In our first edition: Few newspaper editors wield as much power as the Daily Mail’s Paul Dacre. Feared and courted by politicians, he has imposed his singular vision of Britain on successive governments – while sometimes stretching the law in pursuit of justice. What makes Dacre tick? What does he want? And how might this epic career end?

WARNING: Contains explicit language.

• “The problem for the political classes is that the Mail is better at what it does than they are at what they do.” — David Yelland
• “Tony Blair once said that the problem with Britain is, everyone’s a bit Daily Mail before they’ve had their breakfast.” — Adrian Addison
• “The Daily Mail frightens people, in politics, sport, entertainment and business. They don’t want to get on the wrong side of Paul Dacre.” — David Yelland

Mugshots was written and produced by Michael Crick and Jet Gerbertson. Additional research by Mathilda Waters. Audio production by Robin Leeburn and Alex Rees. Music by Jade Bailey. Group Editor for Podmasters is Andrew Harrison. Mugshots is a Podmasters Production.

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