John Thadeus Delane

British newspaper editor. Born in London, he graduated from Oxford University in 1839. After training as a journalist while still a student, he joined The Times newspaper and was in charge of parliamentary coverage. In 1841, after the death of the famous editor-in-chief Burns, he became editor-in-chief at the age of 23. Although he rarely wrote editorials himself, he excelled at gathering and guiding talented reporters, and by having close ties with influential people in the political world, he succeeded in reporting many exclusive stories, including the repeal of the Corn Laws. Although he was a liberal, he did not favor any party, but rather played the role of a mediator. During the Crimean War, he exposed the mismanagement of the war effort, attacked the government, and led to a change of cabinet. Although it was an age when telegrams were widespread, he also improved the communication network by setting up a special service between Alexandria and London. It was around this time that The Times began to attract attention from politicians not only in Britain but also around the world.

[Shinichi Ito]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

イギリスの新聞編集者。ロンドンに生まれ、1839年オックスフォード大学を卒業。在学中から記者修業をしたあと、『タイムズ』紙に入社して議会報道を担当、1841年、名編集長バーンズの死後、23歳で編集長となった。自ら社説を書くことは少なかったが、有能な記者を集めて指導することに優れ、政界の有力者と親しく交わって、穀物法の廃止をはじめ、多くの特ダネを報道することに成功した。自由主義者ではあったが、党派に偏せず、むしろ調停役をつとめた。クリミア戦争に際しては、戦争遂行の不手際を暴露して政府を攻撃、内閣を交替させるに至った。電報が普及した時代であったが、アレクサンドリア―ロンドン間に専用便を設けて通信網を向上させもした。『タイムズ』がイギリスばかりでなく世界の政治家から注目されるようになったのはこのころであった。

［伊藤慎一］

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