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Newspaper Rebel Who Broke Union Power
6 Feb
Summary
- Eddy Shah introduced new technology, challenging print unions.
- He launched Britain's first full-colour daily newspaper, Today.
- Shah's innovations paved the way for modern newspaper printing methods.
Eddy Shah, a transformative figure in British newspaper history, has passed away at the age of 81. Shah is remembered for his pivotal role in modernizing the industry by confronting powerful print unions and introducing new technologies.
In 1986, Shah launched 'Today,' Britain's first full-colour daily newspaper. This bold move followed a significant strike battle he won against the National Graphical Association (NGA) print union. His efforts broke the unions' stronghold and paved the way for advancements in printing methods.
Although Shah's own national newspaper ventures, 'Today' and later the 'Post' in 1988, faced financial difficulties and closures, his impact was profound. He enabled the transition from monochrome pages to vibrant colour reproduction and more efficient printing processes, a significant shift before the internet's dominance.
Shah's business journey began with free newspapers in Cheshire, but his ambition led him to national publications. Despite lacking the vast resources of media magnates, his pioneering spirit undeniably reshaped the landscape of British journalism and printing operations.
