19 November 2025
News Media Association chief executive Owen Meredith has been appointed managing director, public policy, at dmg media starting in May 2026. He will replace editor emeritus Peter Wright, who will be retiring after 47 years with the company.
Owen has led the NMA for five years, spearheading the industry’s engagement with government, regulators, and stakeholders. He drove the creative industries’ high-profile Make It Fair campaign, seeking to prevent government plans to give AI companies the freedom to ignore copyright law, which would cause huge damage to news publishers and the rest of Britain’s creative economy.
Peter has been editor emeritus for 14 years, during which time he played a leading role in setting up the Independent Press Standards Organisation, and in persuading Parliament to pass the Digital Markets Act, designed to give news publishers fair terms in dealing with online platforms such as Google. Prior to that he was editor of The Mail on Sunday, also for 14 years.
Lord Rothermere, chairman of DMGT, said: “I am very pleased we have persuaded Owen to join dmg media. There has never been a more important time to ensure the government supports an independent and sustainable news media, and Owen’s leadership of the NMA shows there couldn’t be a better person for the job.
“Of course I am very sorry Peter will be leaving us. He is a superb journalist and editor, who has used his skills and contacts to find solutions to problems that have threatened the whole industry. I wish him every luck in enjoying his retirement, and hope that from time to time we will still be able to call upon his wisdom.”
Editor-in-chief of the Daily Mail, Ted Verity, said: “Peter has been an inspiration to a whole generation of Mail journalists.
“Under his editorship, The Mail on Sunday became Britain’s biggest Sunday paper, with a sale of 2.5 million at its peak, and broke a whole string of great stories, not least Virginia Giuffre’s allegations about the then Prince Andrew, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
“The Mail has been a huge supporter of Owen’s Make It Fair campaign, he brings deep knowledge of the media industry, strong relationships with key figures, and a clear passion for championing sustainable, high-quality news media. His experience and perspective will be invaluable and I very much look forward to working with him.”
Owen said: “I’m immensely proud of the NMA team, the work we do to support our members, and the progress we have made on a raft of issues during my tenure – not least in securing the passage of key legislation that will, once fully in force, help ensure the long-term sustainability and freedom of the British press.
“It’s been a privilege to lead the NMA and work with you over the years and I’m delighted that my new role will allow me to continue supporting the NMA and industry in new ways.
“The NMA team and I will continue working as usual while the Board begin the process of appointing my successor, on which they will make further details known in due course.”