In context

Under David English the new Daily Mail soared in popularity especially among the middle classes.

In 1992 after 20 years at the Mail, David English became editor-in-chief and chairman of Associated Newspapers. He died in 1998.

Rivalry in the tabloid market intensified in 1984 when Robert Maxwell took over the Mirror Group.

In February 1987 he launched the London Daily News - in direct competition with Associated Newspaper’s Evening Standard.

However, after fierce resistance from Associated Newspapers the London Daily News closed in July 1987 with losses in the region of £50m.

In 1986 a new tabloid entered the market when Eddy Shah launched Today - the first national newspaper to be printed in colour.

But in 1995 Today became the first national paper to close since the Daily Sketch.