Richard Desmond#Express Newspapers

Desmond was born in Hampstead, north London, into a Jewish family, the youngest of three children, and was raised in Edgware, in northwest London.{{cite news | url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article6727593.ece | location=London | work=The Times | title=PROFILE Richard Desmond | date=26 July 2009 | first1=Patrick | last1=Hosking | first2=David | last2=Wighton | access-date=23 July 2010 | archive-date=15 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615125319/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article6727593.ece | url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.thejc.com/35583/richard-desmond-new-tv-bid |title=Richard Desmond in new TV bid |work=BBC |year=2010 |access-date=15 June 2011 |archive-date=25 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925130626/http://www.thejc.com/35583/richard-desmond-new-tv-bid |url-status=live }} His father was descended from Latvian Jews, and his mother was of Ukrainian-Jewish descent.{{cite book|author=Richard Desmond|title=The Real Deal: The Autobiography of Britain's Most Controversial Media Mogul|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z6K4BgAAQBAJ|date=18 June 2015|publisher=Random House|isbn=978-1-4735-1854-4|access-date=25 November 2015|archive-date=2 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502111651/https://books.google.com/books?id=Z6K4BgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}} His father, Cyril, was at one time managing director of cinema advertising company Pearl & Dean. An ear infection caused the sudden loss of Cyril's hearing and, according to Richard, he used to take the boy along, when he was no more than three years old, to act as "his ears" in business meetings, where he ostensibly acquired his "first taste of business dealings".[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/richard-desmond-ive-got-so-much-money-its-ridiculous-2006112.html "Richard Desmond: 'I've got so much money it's ridiculous'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305021542/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/richard-desmond-ive-got-so-much-money-its-ridiculous-2006112.html |date=5 March 2016 }} The Independent, 21 June 2010

After Cyril lost a significant amount of family money to gambling, his parents divorced,[https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2010/aug/15/tim-adams-profile-richard-desmond "Richard Desmond: Never afraid to Express himself"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309145051/http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2010/aug/15/tim-adams-profile-richard-desmond |date=9 March 2016 }} The Guardian, 15 August 2010 and 11-year-old Desmond moved with his mother, Millie, into a flat above a garage; he has described his impoverished early adolescence as a time when he was "very fat and very lonely". Desmond was educated at Edgware Junior School and Christ's College, Finchley.Blackhurst, Chris (1 December 2010) [http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/features/1042695/the-mt-interview-richard-desmond/ "The MT Interview: Richard Desmond"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101031810/http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/features/1042695/the-mt-interview-richard-desmond/ |date=1 January 2011 }}. Management Today. Retrieved 25 June 2015

Desmond left school at 15 and started working in the classified advertisements section of the Thomson Group, while playing the drums at gigs after a day's work. After moving to another company, he became the advertising manager for the music magazine company Beat Publications, the publisher of Beat Instrumental.{{cite news |last=Snoddy |first=Raymond |date=25 October 2004 |title=Richard Desmond: The demon proprietor of Fleet Street |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/richard-desmond-the-demon-proprietor-of-fleet-street-544919.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723030903/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/richard-desmond-the-demon-proprietor-of-fleet-street-544919.html |archive-date=23 July 2020 |access-date=12 July 2014 |work=The Independent}} Desmond owned two record shops by the time he was 21.Alex Benady [http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/news/412585/LARGING-RICHARD-DESMOND/ "Larging It Up With Richard Desmond"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626123553/http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/news/412585/LARGING-RICHARD-DESMOND/|date=26 June 2015}}, Management Today, 1 October 2003

In the mid-1970s, Desmond combined his interest in music and advertising to found, publication company Cover Publication with Ray Hammond. Cover Publication launched International Musician and Recording World, a monthly magazine for musicians which expanded to have editions in the UK, US, Australia, Japan and Germany. This was followed by the publication of Home Organist, whose editor contributed the old-school motto {{lang|la|Forti Nihil Difficile}} ("Nothing is difficult for the strong" – it was Benjamin Disraeli's motto), still used by the Northern & Shell publishing group. Desmond eventually bought out Hammond.

In 1979, impressed by 'Gulf and Western's' use of a name which drew association to a larger company, Desmond decided to change the name of Cover Publication to Northern & Shell. Northern for Northern Rock and Shell for Shell Oil.

Northern & Shell began publication of the celebrity OK! magazine as a monthly in 1993, later becoming a weekly in March 1996. It is the largest weekly magazine in the world, with 23 separate editions from the US to Australia to Azerbaijan and with a readership in excess of 31 million. It was originally an imitation of Hello! magazine but now outsells its rival.

OK! is well known for its coverage of celebrity nuptials. High profile wedding coverage has included:

• Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin (May 1997)
• Victoria Adams and David Beckham (July 1999)
• Katie Price and Peter Andre (2005)
• Prince William and Kate Middleton (April 2011)
• Tom Fletcher and Giovanna Falcone (May 2012)

In 1982, Northern & Shell began to publish the UK edition of Penthouse, although the licensing deal ended in the 1990s.Terry Kirby [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/from-penthouse-to-penury-the-man-who-would-be-king-of-the-centrefold-100224.html "From 'Penthouse' to penury? The man who would be King of the Centrefold"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008221043/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/from-penthouse-to-penury-the-man-who-would-be-king-of-the-centrefold-100224.html |date=8 October 2018 }}, The Independent, 14 August 2003 The company soon began to publish a range of adult magazines itself including Asian Babes, Readers Wives{{cite news |title=Desmond to sell 'adult' titles |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1111704.stm |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=BBC News |date=11 January 2001 |archive-date=23 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060823031721/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1111704.stm |url-status=live }} and Barely Legal,{{cite news |title=Profiles: The porn king who took the gloss off a very aristocratic empire |work=Evening Herald |date=8 February 2003}} numbering 45 such titles in all when they were eventually sold.{{cite news|last=Clennell|first=Andrew |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/desmond-breaks-links-with-porn-as-he-fights-for-telegraph-571818.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806043715/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/desmond-breaks-links-with-porn-as-he-fights-for-telegraph-571818.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 August 2011|title=Desmond breaks links with porn as he fights for 'Telegraph'|work=The Independent|date=2 March 2004|quote=Richard Desmond, the pornographer turned proprietor of the Daily Express group who is bidding for the Daily Telegraph, took the first step towards reshaping his image yesterday by selling his pornographic magazines.}}{{cite news|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/telegraph-battle-prompts-desmond-sell-off-porn-titles/203813|title=Telegraph battle prompts Desmond to sell off porn titles|work=Campaign|date=2 March 2004|access-date=5 November 2021|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106080003/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/telegraph-battle-prompts-desmond-sell-off-porn-titles/203813|url-status=live}} During the 1980s, Desmond ran a premium rate phone sex company until 1988 when he sold the business after British Telecom raised concerns about the content.{{cite news |last1=Teather |first1=David |last2=Burkeman |first2=Oliver |last3=Brown |first3=Maggie |title=Daily Express buyer Richard Desmond |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2000/nov/23/pressandpublishing.dailyexpress1 |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=23 November 2000 |archive-date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722214111/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2000/nov/23/pressandpublishing.dailyexpress1 |url-status=live }}

Desmond's Northern & Shell launched The Fantasy Channel in 1995. It was one of the first pornographic channels available on satellite television in the UK, competing against other channels available on cable.{{cite news |last1=Marsh |first1=Harriet |date=3 November 1995 |title=Media Launch; X marks the erotic TV slot |work=PR Week |url=https://www.prweek.com/article/92549/campaigns-media-launch-x-marks-erotic-tv-slot-rsquo |url-status=live |access-date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722174528/https://www.prweek.com/article/92549/campaigns-media-launch-x-marks-erotic-tv-slot-rsquo |archive-date=22 July 2020}} The channel was later rebranded as Television X.{{cite news |last1=Hunthcraft |first1=Jak |date=17 November 2014 |title=We Went to the Video Shoot for the Television X Christmas Single |language=da |work=Vice |url=https://www.vice.com/da/article/television-x-christmas-single-202/ |url-status=live |access-date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723015818/https://www.vice.com/da/article/wd4ybz/television-x-christmas-single-202 |archive-date=23 July 2020}} These channels were regulated by Ofcom and the BBFC. By 2003, Desmond's company had expanded to broadcasting seven channels, with plans to launch six more and the business was described as "extremely lucrative", generating £17m of the £60m operating profits of Northern & Shell.{{cite news |last1=Shah |first1=Saeed |date=31 May 2003 |title=Sky to carry more Desmond channels |language=en |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/sky-to-carry-more-desmond-channels-106936.html |url-status=live |access-date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722174528/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/sky-to-carry-more-desmond-channels-106936.html |archive-date=22 July 2020}} A website, fantasy121.com, was also launched.{{cite news |last1=Boggan |first1=Steve |date=11 June 2002 |title=More crumpet, Prime Minister? |language=en |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/more-crumpet-prime-minister-179804.html |url-status=live |access-date=23 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723192929/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/more-crumpet-prime-minister-179804.html |archive-date=23 July 2020}}

Desmond put the magazines up for sale in 2001 in an attempt to distance himself from the adult content industry. {{cite news |last1=Day |first1=Julia |title=Desmond's spin doctor moves on after five years |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/jun/09/marketingandpr.pressandpublishing1 |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=9 June 2005 |archive-date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722085806/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/jun/09/marketingandpr.pressandpublishing1 |url-status=live }} Desmond sold the pornographic magazine business to Remnant Media for approximately £10 million.{{cite news |date=24 April 2004 |title=The rebel entrepreneur who went too far |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/richard-desmond-the-rebel-entrepreneur-who-went-too-far-561027.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727164410/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/richard-desmond-the-rebel-entrepreneur-who-went-too-far-561027.html |archive-date=27 July 2009 |work=The Independent}} He said in 2003 in a television programme, The Real Richard Desmond (Channel 4): "Would it be better to be a former pornographer rather than a pornographer? I'm probably being more honest by keeping them. They serve a need."{{cite news|last=Snoddy|first=Raymond|url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/its-honest-to-keep-my-porn-it-serves-a-need-p8ngnw2850z|title=It's honest to keep my porn. It serves a need|work=The Times|date=4 April 2003|access-date=5 November 2021|url-access=subscription|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106080006/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/its-honest-to-keep-my-porn-it-serves-a-need-p8ngnw2850z|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Byrne|first=Ciar|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/apr/04/pressandpublishing.dailyexpress|title=Desmond: 'I was born' to take out Daily Mail|work=The Guardian|date=4 April 2003|access-date=5 November 2021|archive-date=5 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105150140/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/apr/04/pressandpublishing.dailyexpress|url-status=live}}

Northern & Shell's business interests in pornography ended in April 2016 when Portland Television, established in 1995, the broadcaster of Television X and the Red Hot channels, was sold for under £1 million in a management buyout.{{cite news |last=Reynolds |first=John |date=1 April 2016 |title=Express Newspapers owner Richard Desmond gives up porn |url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/express-newspapers-owner-richard-desmond-gives-porn/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105140518/https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/express-newspapers-owner-richard-desmond-gives-porn/ |archive-date=5 November 2021 |access-date=5 October 2021 |work=Press Gazette}} Desmond has often been referred to as "Richard 'Dirty' Desmond",{{cite news |date=18 September 2012 |title=Richard 'dirty' Desmond: A Humbuggery Special |url=http://www.private-eye.co.uk/sections.php?section_link=street_of_shame&issue=1323&article=619 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202075158/http://www.private-eye.co.uk/sections.php?section_link=street_of_shame&issue=1323&article=619 |archive-date=2 February 2013 |access-date=1 April 2016 |work=Private Eye |issue=1323}}{{cite news |last=Crace |first=John |date=14 February 2010 |title=Private Eye proves the old jokes are the best |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/feb/14/private-eye-old-jokes-best |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221151548/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/feb/14/private-eye-old-jokes-best |archive-date=21 December 2014 |access-date=5 November 2021 |work=The Guardian}} or "Dirty Des",{{cite news |date=20 June 2010 |title=Richard Desmond: 'I've got so much money it's ridiculous' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/richard-desmond-ive-got-so-much-money-its-ridiculous-2006112.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305021542/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/richard-desmond-ive-got-so-much-money-its-ridiculous-2006112.html |archive-date=5 March 2016 |access-date=1 April 2016 |work=The Independent}} in Private Eye magazine due to Northern & Shell formerly owning pornographic magazines and television channels.

Desmond has disputed references to himself as a pornographer. Desmond has emphasised that his material has been available through WHSmith and Freeview, saying that: "If it was pornography you would end up in prison because pornography is illegal". In November 2021, The Guardian reported that Desmond had instructed lawyers to get the term "pornographer" removed from his Wikipedia because, in his opinion, the phrase "only refers to publishers of illegal or obscene material".

According to The Guardian, Desmond had made a deal in 1991 with Norman Chanes for running advertisements in his pornographic magazines for telephone sex lines run by Chanes' mafia associate, Richard Martino of the Gambino crime family.John Sweeney [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/may/20/uknews.theobserver "Desmond's New York venture"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730225350/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/may/20/uknews.theobserver |date=30 July 2016 }}, The Observer, 20 May 2001{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/feb/17/pressandpublishing.dailyexpress |title=Mafia told Desmond: we'll kill you over porn deal |last1=Teather |first1=David |last2=Milmo |first2=Dan |work=The Guardian |access-date=26 March 2009 |location=London |date=17 February 2005 |archive-date=29 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829012210/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/feb/17/pressandpublishing.dailyexpress |url-status=live }} According to the BBC, Martino was "widely reported" to be linked to the mafia, but Desmond did not know. The deal reportedly left the Americans out of pocket and after Desmond refused to pay compensation, his employee was kidnapped and assaulted in New York. Desmond called this account "a fantasy", but encouraged his employee to report the incident to the police and hire a bodyguard to protect himself.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3087061.stm "Porn Star!"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070113223556/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3087061.stm |date=13 January 2007 }}, BBC News, 9 June 2004

In February 2005, The Guardian reported that the claim Desmond had received death threats from the New York Gambino mafia family was contained in affidavits from FBI agents released during Martino's trial relating to the fraudulent use of the telephone lines. Desmond has denied the whole episode; he asserted there was no evidence he knew about the fraud perpetrated by Martino.

In November 2000, Northern & Shell acquired Express Newspapers from United News & Media for £125 million,{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3479581.stm | title=Profile: Richard Desmond | author=Jorn Madslien | date=12 February 2006 | publisher=BBC | access-date=3 September 2006 | archive-date=6 November 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061106110223/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3479581.stm | url-status=live }} enlarging the group to include the Daily and Sunday Express titles, the Daily Star and Daily Star Sunday (which Desmond started), and the Irish Daily Star (owned jointly with the Irish Independent News & Media group). In August 2024 the Daily and Sunday Express each sold around 120,000 to 140,000 copies per issue.{{cite web | url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/media-audience-and-business-data/media_metrics/most-popular-newspapers-uk-abc-monthly-circulation-figures-2/| title=Circulation Figures | publisher=Press Gazette | access-date=29 September 2024}} Back in 2008/2009, the Daily Star was the only national paper to increase sales year on year with an 18% increase from September 2008 to September 2009,{{update inline|date=July 2013}} and circulation figures of around 850,000,[http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=44481&c=1 National newspaper circulations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031190313/http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=44481&c=1 |date=31 October 2009 }} Press Gazette, 16 October 2009 largely due to aggressive pricing policies which significantly undercut competitors such as The Sun.

After buying Express Newspapers, Desmond became embroiled in a feud with Viscount Rothermere, publisher of the Daily Mail, the rival to the Daily Express, largely derived from stories relating to Rothermere's private life. The Evening Herald reported in 2003 that Desmond was using the Express as a vehicle for his racist views. Once, when asked if he was racist, he commented "No. I just don't trust darkies or poofs".

In 2004, Desmond put in a bid for The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph national newspapers and The Spectator magazine.{{Cite web |title=Desmond Bids £500m for Britain's Telegraph {{!}} WARC |url=http://www.warc.com/newsandopinion/news/desmond-bids-500m-for-britains-telegraph/en-gb/15260 |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=www.warc.com |language=en-GB}}

In 2014 the Financial Times referred to the Desmond-owned Express running "apparently repetitive coverage of immigration, freak weather events and theories about the death of Diana, Princess of Wales."{{cite news|last=Mance|first=Henry|url=https://www.ft.com/content/cbdb6c1c-87a8-11e4-9cd9-00144feabdc0|title=Richard Desmond explores sale of Daily Express|work=Financial Times|date=19 December 2014|access-date=5 November 2021|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525014052/https://www.ft.com/content/cbdb6c1c-87a8-11e4-9cd9-00144feabdc0|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Broster|first=Paul|url=https://theconversation.com/daily-express-what-a-difference-a-new-owner-has-made-especially-if-you-are-a-migrant-95881|title=Daily Express: what a difference a new owner has made (especially if you are a migrant)|work=The Conversation|date=4 May 2018|access-date=5 November 2021|quote=a bizarre Desmond-led obsession with front pages – whether they merited a story or not (and it was very often not) – that focused on the same themes year-on-year, including weather, Princess Diana and immigration.|archive-date=5 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105153317/http://theconversation.com/daily-express-what-a-difference-a-new-owner-has-made-especially-if-you-are-a-migrant-95881|url-status=live}} Commenting at the Leveson Inquiry in January 2012, Desmond said: "There has been speculation that Diana was killed by the royal family ... The speculation has gone on and on. I don't know the answer."{{cite news|last=Cooper|first=Marta|url=https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2012/01/richard-desmond-leveson-inquiry/|title=38 bad, 68 good: Richard Desmond's defence of Express McCann coverage|work=Index on Censorship|date=12 January 2012|access-date=5 November 2021|archive-date=28 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928104417/https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2012/01/richard-desmond-leveson-inquiry/|url-status=live}} The Times reported his newspapers had repeatedly published such claims.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/mccanns-were-glad-of-the-publicity-says-desmond-ggdqqpg2q8r|title=McCanns were glad of the publicity, says Desmond|work=The Times|date=13 January 2012|access-date=5 November 2021|url-access=subscription|quote=He [Desmond] referred to unsubstantiated claims repeatedly published in his newspapers about the Royal Family being involved in Diana's death. ... In his witness statement, Mr Desmond suggested that the Press Complaints Commission was to blame for the defamatory articles his papers ran on the McCanns because it had 'failed to provide us with any guidance'.|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029030421/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mccanns-were-glad-of-the-publicity-says-desmond-ggdqqpg2q8r|url-status=live}} For its defamatory articles covering the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, which numbered a hundred, the Express paid damages of £550,000 to the toddler's parents in 2008.{{cite news|last=Sweney|first=Mark|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/mar/19/dailyexpress.dailystar1|title=McCann payout confirmed at £550k|work=The Guardian|date=19 March 2008|access-date=5 November 2021|archive-date=17 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017230537/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/mar/19/dailyexpress.dailystar1|url-status=live}} However, in his appearance at the Leveson Inquiry, Desmond said the Express had been "scapegoated" by the Press Complaints Commission (PCC), who had "failed to provide us with any guidance" and were thus implicitly responsible for the defamatory articles. According to Desmond, the PCC was a "useless organisation run by people who wanted tea and biscuits and by phone hackers; it was run by people who wanted to destroy us." In 2015, when asked in a BBC interview if he regretted the Express{{'}}s coverage of McCann's disappearance, he said: "No, I think we reported it very fairly."{{cite news|last=Sweney|first=Mark|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/17/richard-desmond-defends-coverage-of-madeleine-mccann-disappearance|title=Richard Desmond defends coverage of Madeleine McCann disappearance|work=The Guardian|date=17 June 2015|access-date=5 November 2021|archive-date=16 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916122707/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/17/richard-desmond-defends-coverage-of-madeleine-mccann-disappearance|url-status=live}}

In April 2004, the Daily Express reverted to supporting the Conservatives, after a period backing Labour. On the same day, Desmond attacked The Daily Telegraph (with which he was a joint venture partner in the West Ferry newspaper printing plant), then considering accepting a takeover by the German Axel Springer group, and asked if they were keen on being run by Nazis. According to Desmond, in an exchange at the meeting, all Germans are Nazis.{{cite news|last1=Tryhorn|first1=Chris|last2=O'Carroll|first2=Lisa|last3=Gibson|first3=Owen|url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,14173,1200881,00.html|title=Desmond taunts Telegraph in 'Nazi' tirade|work=The Guardian|date=22 April 2004|location=London|access-date=22 May 2010|quote=Mr Desmond ... said Germans were 'all Nazis'.|archive-date=18 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718105055/http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,14173,1200881,00.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Leonard|first1=Tom|last2=Born|first2=Matt|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1460042/Goosesteps-and-Nazi-salutes-in-the-boardroom.html|title=Goosesteps and Nazi salutes in the boardroom|work=The Telegraph|date=23 April 2021|access-date=5 November 2021|archive-date=5 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205043713/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1460042/Goosesteps-and-Nazi-salutes-in-the-boardroom.html|url-status=live}} Desmond reportedly harangued The Daily Telegraph{{'s}} chief executive and associates in faux German at a business meeting and imitated Adolf Hitler. The Telegraph executives walked out of the meeting.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3651421.stm|title=Express owner 'in Nazi outburst'|work=BBC News|date=23 April 2004|access-date=5 November 2021|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610012545/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3651421.stm|url-status=live}} This incident was described as a form of institutionalised racism prevalent among newspaper proprietors.{{Cite book|last1=Keeble|first1=Richard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DvJTBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA83|title=The Newspapers Handbook|last2=Reeves|first2=Ian|date=2014-08-21|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-50077-0|language=en}} Previously, in August 2001, the National Union of Journalists' chapel at the Express & Star also condemned Desmond for the newspaper's "hysterical and racist" campaign against asylum seekers; this campaign was also criticised by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, writing for The Independent in June 2002.{{cite news|last1=Alibhai-Brown|first1=Yasmin|author-link1=Yasmin Alibhai-Brown|title=I can take Mr Desmond's porn but not his racism|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/yasmin-alibhai-brown/i-can-take-mr-desmonds-porn-but-not-his-racism-178897.html|access-date=1 April 2016|work=The Independent|date=2 June 2002|archive-date=16 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416172721/http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/yasmin-alibhai-brown/i-can-take-mr-desmonds-porn-but-not-his-racism-178897.html|url-status=live}}

In August 2005, the former Daily Express executive editor Ted Young made an out-of-court settlement with Desmond's company ahead of an industrial tribunal.{{Cite news|last=Tryhorn|first=Chris|date=2005-08-24|title=Express settles with former executive|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/aug/24/pressandpublishing.dailyexpress|issn=0261-3077|access-date=13 December 2016|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305104750/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/aug/24/pressandpublishing.dailyexpress|url-status=live}} This related to an incident with Desmond in the newsroom in September 2004, during which Desmond was said to have hit the journalist. Desmond has repeatedly denied the claims.{{Cite news|last=Tryhorn|first=Chris|date=2005-08-23|title=Desmond punched me, claims former Express man|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/aug/23/dailyexpress.pressandpublishing|issn=0261-3077|access-date=13 December 2016|archive-date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008040134/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/aug/23/dailyexpress.pressandpublishing|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Aitkenhead|first=Decca|date=2015-06-19|title=Richard Desmond: 'I hate to admit this, but I've never actually hit anyone'|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/19/richard-desmond-interview-hate-to-admit-never-hit-anyone|issn=0261-3077|access-date=13 December 2016|archive-date=16 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916122706/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/19/richard-desmond-interview-hate-to-admit-never-hit-anyone|url-status=live}} In 2008, Northern & Shell reported a turnover of £483.9 million.[http://www.northernandshell.co.uk/ir/2008_accounts.php Financial Results 2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007184045/http://www.northernandshell.co.uk/ir/2008_accounts.php |date=7 October 2011 }} Northern & Shell announcement

In July 2010, Desmond bought the UK terrestrial-television channel Channel 5, which was losing money, from RTL Group, for £103.5 million.{{cite press release |title=RTL Group sells UK broadcaster Five |date=23 July 2010 |publisher=RTL Group |url=http://www.rtlgroup.com/www/htm/home_news.aspx?ID=C57D4206AF294A979A24C3EE4270E175 |access-date=24 July 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727012444/http://www.rtlgroup.com/www/htm/home_news.aspx?ID=C57D4206AF294A979A24C3EE4270E175 |archive-date=27 July 2010}}{{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=James |date=23 July 2010 |title=Richard Desmond promises Channel Five 'investment, drive and leadership' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/jul/23/richard-desmond-channel-five1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410201203/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/jul/23/richard-desmond-channel-five1 |archive-date=10 April 2015 |access-date=24 July 2010 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}{{Cite news |date=24 July 2010 |title=UK: Media tycoon Desmond seals deal for Five |url=http://www.mediaspy.org/report/2010/07/24/uk-media-tycoon-desmond-seals-deal-for-five/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727091613/http://www.mediaspy.org/report/2010/07/24/uk-media-tycoon-desmond-seals-deal-for-five/ |archive-date=27 July 2010 |access-date=24 July 2010 |work=The Spy Report |publisher=Media Spy}}

In the year before Desmond acquired Channel 5, it had made a total loss of €41m (£37m), or a €9m loss at an operating level. Desmond immediately proceeded to cut costs, starting with the dismissal of seven of Channel 5's nine directors, beginning a drive to eliminate "£20m of yearly expenses". The stated plan included the dismissal of up to 80 of the network's 300 employees.{{Cite news |last1=Sweney |first1=Mark |last2=Conlan |first2=Tara |date=2010-08-12 |title=Bloodbath on Five as Richard Desmond clears out seven directors |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/aug/12/bloodbath-five-richard-desmond |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307191912/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/aug/12/bloodbath-five-richard-desmond |archive-date=7 March 2016 |access-date=13 December 2016 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Desmond also significantly increased the programming budget. In the first full year of Desmond's ownership, the broadcaster saw a 28% surge in revenue - the biggest TV advertising haul in its 14-year history - "thanks to factors including the arrival of Big Brother and the return of a major media buying contract with Aegis".{{Cite news |last=Sweney |first=Mark |date=2011-12-18 |title=Channel 5 ad take rises 28% |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/dec/18/channel-5-ad-revenues-soar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413124850/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/dec/18/channel-5-ad-revenues-soar |archive-date=13 April 2018 |access-date=2 November 2017 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} He sold Channel 5 to Viacom for £463m in May 2014.{{cite news |last=Sweney |first=Mark |date=1 May 2014 |title=Viacom confirms purchase of Channel 5 from Richard Desmond for £450m |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/may/01/viacom-purchase-channel-5-richard-desmond |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714165044/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/may/01/viacom-purchase-channel-5-richard-desmond |archive-date=14 July 2014 |access-date=12 July 2014 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}

Desmond was the first investor in the Docklands, having purchased land for an office space for Northern & Shell for £1 million. Northern & Shell were the first company to move to the area in 1982 and Princess Anne opened the building.{{Cite book |last=Desmond |first=Richard |title=Desmond |publisher=Random House Books |year=2015 |isbn=978-1847947482 |edition=1st |publication-date=18 June 2015 |pages=82–86}}

In 2016, Northern & Shell submitted plans to build 722 homes on the former Westferry Printworks site. The plans were approved by then London Mayor, Boris Johnson. However, the plans never materialised.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-26 |title=Westferry Printworks plan for flats and a school set for approval |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3w65q5eq5yo |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

In 2018, a revised planning application was submitted, which sought to build 1,500 homes across five tower blocks. These plans were rejected by the council and Planning Inspectorate but were later approved by then Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Government, Robert Jenrick.

In 2020, Robert Jenrick, admitted that his approval of the housing development had been unlawful.{{cite news |date=27 May 2020 |title=Minister accepts Isle of Dogs housing development 'was unlawful' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-52826751 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527205920/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-52826751 |archive-date=27 May 2020 |access-date=28 May 2020}} Following a meeting a Conservative fundraising dinner, Desmond sent Jenrick a text message stating "We don't want to give Marxists loads of doe [sic] for nothing!" referring to money which would be owed to Tower Hamlets Council to pay for infrastructure improvements.{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Simon |date=22 July 2020 |title=Robert Jenrick says he regrets dining with donor before planning decision |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jul/22/robert-jenrick-says-he-regrets-dining-with-donor-richard-desmond-westferry |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722120442/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jul/22/robert-jenrick-says-he-regrets-dining-with-donor-richard-desmond-westferry |archive-date=22 July 2020 |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=The Guardian |language=en}} Jenrick's approval, which was against the advice of the planning inspector, met a deadline that reportedly would have saved Desmond £40m.{{cite news |date=27 May 2020 |title=Former Tory donor's housing project 'unlawfully approved to avoid £40m hit' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/may/27/richard-desmond-housing-project-unlawfully-approved-robert-jenrick-isle-dogs-london-avoid-40m-hit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528051711/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/may/27/richard-desmond-housing-project-unlawfully-approved-robert-jenrick-isle-dogs-london-avoid-40m-hit |archive-date=28 May 2020 |access-date=28 May 2020}} The development also proposed just 21% affordable housing compared to the minimum target of 35%, which Tower Hamlets Council estimate would have saved Desmond up to £106m.{{cite news |last1=Swann |first1=Steve |date=24 June 2020 |title=Jenrick and Westferry: What's at stake in row? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53159091 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713110002/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53159091 |archive-date=13 July 2020 |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=BBC News}} Desmond, whose company had donated to the Conservative Party in 2017, made a further personal donation to the party shortly after the approval was given.{{cite news |date=10 June 2020 |title=Robert Jenrick urged to release documents in planning row |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52999732 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610195013/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52999732 |archive-date=10 June 2020 |access-date=10 June 2020}} The Conservative Party Chairman subsequently apologised to members of the 1922 Committee for having allowed Desmond to sit next to Jenrick and allowing Desmond to lobby him.{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Amy |date=22 July 2020 |title=Tory Co-Chairmen given dressing down over decision to allow Richard Desmond to sit next to minister at infamous fundraising dinner |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/07/22/tory-co-chairmen-given-dressing-decision-allow-richard-desmond/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722205416/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/07/22/tory-co-chairmen-given-dressing-decision-allow-richard-desmond/ |archive-date=22 July 2020 |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=The Telegraph}} The development was later rejected by government.{{Cite news |last1=Savage |first1=Michael |last2=Editor |first2=Michael Savage Policy |date=2023-11-25 |title=Tory donor Richard Desmond revives controversial east London housing development |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/nov/25/tory-donor-richard-desmond-revives-controversial-east-london-housing-development |access-date=2025-05-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

In 2023, a revised planning application was submitted for a residential led, mixed use development comprising 1,358 new homes, a 1,200 place secondary school, with ground floor commercial and amenity space. The development would deliver over 5 acres of public open space and 35% of the development is set to be affordable housing. In August 2024, the local planning authority passed a resolution to grant planning consent and a formal decision notice was issued in February 2025.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-26 |title=Westferry Printworks plan for flats and a school set for approval |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3w65q5eq5yo |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

Litigation began at the High Court on 6 July 2009 over claims in journalist Tom Bower's joint biography of Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel, Conrad and Lady Black: Dancing on the Edge, that Desmond had made a "humiliating climbdown" over an Express story at the end of 2002 on the state of Lord Black's finances, which it was alleged Desmond had ordered to be written. This claim of a weakening of Desmond's "super-tough" reputation as a businessman was viewed as defamation by Desmond. Bower denied libel on the grounds of the story being "substantially true".James Robinson [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jul/07/richard-desmond-tom-bower "Tom Bower book damaged Richard Desmond's 'super-tough' reputation, court hears"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307161853/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jul/07/richard-desmond-tom-bower |date=7 March 2016 }}, The Guardian, 7 July 2009 The following day, the presiding judge The Hon. Mr Justice Eady, discharged the jury as "fundamental" evidence and legal submissions had emerged.Alex Spence [http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article6657094.ece "Jury discharged in Richard Desmond libel case"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612160036/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article6657094.ece |date=12 June 2011 }}, The Times, 7 July 2009 The new jury later found in favour of Bower.Patrick Foster [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6725500.ece "Richard Desmond loses libel case with Tom Bower over Conrad Black claims"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106080002/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ |date=6 November 2021 }}, The Times, 24 July 2009

A biography of Desmond, titled Rough Trader, was written by Bower and printed in 2006 but still awaits publication.{{cite news|author=Tom Bower|publisher=The Observer|date=26 July 2009|title=My week: Tom Bower|access-date=6 June 2013|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jul/26/tom-bower-diary-richard-desmond|location=London|archive-date=15 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615191232/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jul/26/tom-bower-diary-richard-desmond|url-status=live}}{{cite web | title= Tom Bower to speak to NUJ after being barred from Express offices | url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/apr/13/tom-bower-to-speak-to-nuj-after-being-barred-from-express-offices | last= Greenslade | first= Roy | date= 13 April 2015 | work= The Guardian | access-date= 20 April 2015 | archive-date= 27 April 2015 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150427124710/http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/apr/13/tom-bower-to-speak-to-nuj-after-being-barred-from-express-offices | url-status= live }}

By December 2010, Desmond's privately owned publishing venture employed more than 2,000 people internationally, according to Desmond. In 2010, Desmond was ranked the equal-57th richest man in Britain by The Sunday Times Rich List,{{cite news |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/specials/rich_list/rich_list_2009/article6139764.ece |work=The Times |location=London |title=Richard Desmond |date=26 April 2009 |access-date=22 May 2010 |archive-date=12 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612160128/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/specials/rich_list/rich_list_2009/article6139764.ece |url-status=dead}} with a net worth of £950 million. In 2014, he was ranked 78th and worth £1.2 billion.{{cite news|title=Sunday Times Rich List|work=Sunday Times|date=24 April 2017}} In 2016, Forbes estimated his fortune at close to $1.49 billion,{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/richard-desmond/|title=Richard Desmond|website=Forbes|access-date=2016-04-26|archive-date=6 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306203521/https://www.forbes.com/profile/richard-desmond/|url-status=live}} while the 2016 Sunday Times Rich List reported his net worth at £2.25 billion. According to the Sunday Times Rich List in 2019, Desmond has a net worth of £2.6 billion,{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/article/sunday-times-rich-list-2019-profiles-53-100-mike-ashley-bernie-ecclestone-7jw2x0s7l|title=Rich List 2019: profiles 53-100, featuring Mike Ashley and Bernie Ecclestone|last=Times|first=The Sunday|newspaper=The Times|date=2019-05-12|access-date=2019-07-31|language=en|issn=0140-0460|archive-date=22 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822124238/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sunday-times-rich-list-2019-profiles-53-100-mike-ashley-bernie-ecclestone-7jw2x0s7l|url-status=live}} falling to £2 billion in 2020.{{cite news |title=The Sunday Times Rich List 2020 |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list#TableFullRichList |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=The Sunday Times |language=en |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109134424/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/sunday-times-rich-list#TableFullRichList |url-status=live }} Express Newspapers was sold to Reach plc (formerly Trinity Mirror) in 2018 for £200 million, of which £74 million was invested in the Express newspapers pension scheme until 2027.{{Cite news|last=Sweney|first=Mark|date=2018-02-09|title=Trinity Mirror buys Express and Star in £200m deal|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/feb/09/trinity-mirror-buys-express-star-127m-deal-richard-desmond-ok|access-date=2020-04-30|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=10 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910112931/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/feb/09/trinity-mirror-buys-express-star-127m-deal-richard-desmond-ok|url-status=live}}

In 2003, Desmond and Roger Daltrey formed the RD Crusaders, a rock group featuring Desmond on drums, to raise money for charitable causes.{{Cite web|last=Desmond|first=Richard|date=2015-06-15|title='You play the drums, don't you?' said Roger Daltrey. 'Put a band together and I'll sing'|url=https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/584416/Richard-Desmond-Roger-Daltrey-Daily-Express-Daily-Star-concert-charity-cancer-aid|access-date=2020-10-30|website=Express.co.uk|language=en|archive-date=4 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104205755/https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/584416/Richard-Desmond-Roger-Daltrey-Daily-Express-Daily-Star-concert-charity-cancer-aid|url-status=live}}{{primary source inline|date=October 2020}} Desmond became president of the UK Jewish charity Norwood in 2006. He also donated £2.5m to the £15m children's centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital and his name was attached to it.[http://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/aboutus/thericharddesmondchildrenseyecentre "The Richard Desmond Children's Eye Centre"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130214246/http://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/Aboutus/TheRichardDesmondChildrensEyeCentre |date=30 November 2010 }}. Moorfields Eye Hospital. 25 February 2009.Camden New Journal, 8 February 2007

In a 2002 Desmond donated £100,000 to the Labour Party. In an interview for BBC Newsnight with Jeremy Paxman, Tony Blair was asked if it were appropriate to accept a controversial £100,000 donation from Desmond due to Desmond's links with the pornography industry,{{cite news |date=17 May 2002 |title='Soft-porn' donation defended by Blair |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/1991084.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060207220802/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/1991084.stm |archive-date=7 February 2006 |access-date=1 April 2016 |work=BBC News Online}} to which Blair replied "if someone is fit and proper to own one of the major national newspaper groups in the country then there is no reason why we would not accept donations from them".{{cite news |last1=Hogson |first1=Jessica |date=16 May 2002 |title=Desmond's good enough for me, says Blair |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/may/16/bbc.dailyexpress |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412185501/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/may/16/bbc.dailyexpress |archive-date=12 April 2016 |access-date=1 April 2016 |work=The Guardian}}

In December 2014, during the run-up to the 2015 United Kingdom general election, Desmond was reported to have agreed to donate £300,000 to the UK Independence Party.{{cite news |last1=Kleinman |first1=Mark |title=Express Owner Desmond Hands £300k To UKIP |url=http://news.sky.com/story/1390791/express-owner-desmond-hands-300k-to-ukip |date=12 December 2014 |access-date=18 December 2014 |work=Sky News |archive-date=15 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215190851/http://news.sky.com/story/1390791/express-owner-desmond-hands-300k-to-ukip |url-status=live }} There was speculation at the time that a further donation could follow. In April 2015, it was announced that he had given an additional £1 million to the party.{{cite news |title= Express owner Richard Desmond gives UKIP £1m |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32340976 |access-date= 16 April 2015 |date= 16 April 2015 |work= BBC News |archive-date= 4 February 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160204154831/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32340976 |url-status= live }}

In October 2011, Desmond's company Northern and Shell launched the Health Lottery, of which around 20% of turnover goes to charity. The grants, distributed by the People's Health Trust (PHT), help many good causes and the elderly in local communities across the UK.{{cite news|last=Benjamin|first=Alison|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/oct/19/health-lottery-good-news-charities|title=Is the health lottery good news for charities?|work=The Guardian|date=19 October 2011|access-date=12 November 2017|archive-date=5 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805103527/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/oct/19/health-lottery-good-news-charities|url-status=live}} It supports local health causes throughout England, Scotland and Wales. The Health Lottery was to return 20.34p per £1 lottery ticket to good causes, which was compared unfavourably with the National Lottery donating 28p per £1 ticket. Sir Stephen Bubb, then chief executive of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, accused Desmond of "profiteering on the back of charities".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15070628|title=Media group launches commercial lottery|work=BBC News|date=27 September 2011|access-date=12 November 2017|archive-date=9 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109102453/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15070628|url-status=live}} In July 2020, it was announced that the proceeds given to charity was to increase to 25%.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/health-lottery-increases-proportion-ticket-price-goes-good-causes/fundraising/article/1689303|title=Health Lottery increases proportion of ticket price that goes to good causes|work=Third Sector|date=14 July 2020|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721112257/https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/health-lottery-increases-proportion-ticket-price-goes-good-causes/fundraising/article/1689303|url-status=live}} In November 2019, Desmond announced his intention to bid for the National Lottery licence when it came up for renewal at the end of the year.{{update-inline|date=November 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/1946797c-c4ac-11e7-a1d2-6786f39ef675|title=Richard Desmond gears up for National Lottery battle|work=Financial Times|date=12 November 2019|access-date=6 March 2018|archive-date=6 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306202416/https://www.ft.com/content/1946797c-c4ac-11e7-a1d2-6786f39ef675|url-status=live}}

Desmond and Janet Robertson were married for 27 years;{{cite news |last=Summerskill |first=Ben |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/sep/01/pressandpublishing.comment |title=Profile: Richard Desmond |work=The Observer |access-date=20 September 2013 |location=London |date=2 September 2002 |archive-date=22 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922183850/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/sep/01/pressandpublishing.comment |url-status=live }} the couple have a son, Robert. In October 2010, Janet divorced him and Desmond subsequently married Joy Canfield, a former manager for British Airways, in 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/2915b0b8-0f67-11e5-897e-00144feabdc0.html|title=Lunch with the FT: Richard Desmond|author=Henry Mance|date=12 June 2015|work=The Financial Times|access-date=22 January 2016|archive-date=28 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128212144/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/2915b0b8-0f67-11e5-897e-00144feabdc0.html|url-status=live}} Joy was pregnant with Desmond's child when Janet divorced him.{{cite news |last1=Sabbagh |first1=Dan |title=Richard Desmond: a crude, ruthless proprietor who squeezed profits |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/feb/09/richard-desmond-crude-ruthless-proprietor-express-newspapers |access-date=23 July 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=9 February 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109213427/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/feb/09/richard-desmond-crude-ruthless-proprietor-express-newspapers |url-status=live }} The couple have two children; daughter Angel Millie (born 2011) and a son, Valentine (born 2015).{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/19/richard-desmond-interview-hate-to-admit-never-hit-anyone|title=Richard Desmond: 'I hate to admit this, but I've never actually hit anyone'|author=Decca Aitkenhead|date=19 June 2015|work=The Guardian|access-date=22 January 2016|archive-date=17 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117184110/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/19/richard-desmond-interview-hate-to-admit-never-hit-anyone|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/richard-desmond/1076884/|title=Penguin authors - Richard Desmond|publisher=Penguin Books|access-date=22 January 2016|archive-date=26 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126231551/https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/richard-desmond/1076884/|url-status=live}}

The tycoon's autobiography, The Real Deal: The Autobiography of Britain's Most Controversial Media Mogul, was published in June 2015 by Random House.{{cite news |last=Greenslade |first=Roy |title=Tom Bower to speak to NUJ after being barred from Express offices |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/apr/13/tom-bower-to-speak-to-nuj-after-being-barred-from-express-offices |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=13 April 2015 |access-date=9 June 2015 |archive-date=13 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613200112/http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/apr/13/tom-bower-to-speak-to-nuj-after-being-barred-from-express-offices |url-status=live }} It was ghost-written by Sunday Express editor Martin Townsend.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/oct/08/richard-desmond-nationalunionofjournalists|title=NUJ to Richard Desmond: sell Express Newspapers to someone who cares|last=Greenslade|first=Roy|date=8 October 2014|work=The Guardian|access-date=8 June 2015|archive-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619221045/http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/oct/08/richard-desmond-nationalunionofjournalists|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/06/19/richard-desmond-autobiography-review-daily-express_n_7621644.html|title=Richard Desmond's Autobiography Gets Five Stars In The Daily Express - His Own Newspaper|last=Harris|first=Sarah Ann|work=The Huffington Post|date=19 June 2015|access-date=24 June 2015|archive-date=23 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623111954/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/06/19/richard-desmond-autobiography-review-daily-express_n_7621644.html|url-status=live}} He also provided his voice for the audiobook version. The autobiography received a five-star review in the Desmond-owned Daily Express.Aitkenhead, Decca (19 June 2015). [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/19/richard-desmond-interview-hate-to-admit-never-hit-anyone "Richard Desmond: 'I hate to admit this, but I've never actually hit anyone'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916122706/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/19/richard-desmond-interview-hate-to-admit-never-hit-anyone |date=16 September 2016 }}. The Guardian (London).

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• [http://www.northernandshell.co.uk/ Northern & Shell company website]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Desmond, Richard}}

Category:1951 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century British newspaper publishers (people)

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