Roy Thomson

Date of Birth: June 5, 1894

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: August 4, 1976

Biography

Roy Thomson, 1st Baron Thomson of Fleet, was a Canadian-born British newspaper proprietor who became one of the most influential media magnates of the 20th century. Born into a modest family, Thomson started his career with a small radio station in Ontario, Canada. His business acumen and strategic vision led him to expand into newspapers, television, and other media. In the 1950s, he moved to the United Kingdom, where he acquired The Scotsman, The Sunday Times, and The Times, establishing a media empire that had significant influence on public opinion. Thomson was known for his aggressive acquisition strategies and his ability to turn struggling publications into profitable enterprises. He was granted a peerage in 1964, becoming the 1st Baron Thomson of Fleet.

5 Interesting Facts about Roy Thomson

1. Roy Thomson started his media empire with a $200 investment in a small radio station in North Bay, Ontario.

2. He was the first Baron Thomson of Fleet, having been granted a peerage in 1964.

3. Thomson purchased The Times of London in 1966 for £1 million, a significant acquisition in the media industry.

4. He was known for his frugal lifestyle, often described as living modestly despite his immense wealth.

5. Thomson’s media empire eventually included over 200 newspapers, radio stations, and television stations worldwide.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roy Thomson

1. “I buy newspapers to make money. I run newspapers to give people what they want.”

2. “I’ve got to be successful. It would be so embarrassing to be a failure.”

3. “You don’t have to be a genius to run a newspaper. You just have to have a good nose for news and a good sense of what people want to read.”

4. “The only way to make money out of politics is to keep out of it.”

5. “Success is a combination of luck and hard work.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Roy Thomson’s net worth was estimated to be around $300 million (equivalent to approximately $1.4 billion in today’s dollars).

Children

Roy Thomson had three children: 1. Kenneth Thomson, who succeeded him as the 2nd Baron Thomson of Fleet and continued to expand the family’s media holdings. 2. Betty Thomson, who was less involved in the family business. 3. Irma Thomson, who maintained a lower public profile throughout her life.