Hagerty: A Distinguished Career in British Journalism
The landscape of the British press has been shaped by dedicated editors and reporters who navigate the evolving tides of national news. Among these figures was Hagerty, a seasoned journalist whose career spanned several decades and included leadership roles at some of the UK's most prominent publications.
Early Life and Entry into Journalism
Born in Ilford, Hagerty attended Beal Grammar School. It was during his school years that he first developed a passion for journalism, though his ambitions were initially met with skepticism by his headteacher. Undeterred, he began his professional journey working for local newspapers.
In 1962, he joined Reynolds News, which later became the Sunday Citizen. This marked the beginning of a steady ascent through the ranks of the British media, leading him to the Daily Sketch and eventually the Mirror group.
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Leadership at the Mirror Group and Beyond
Hagerty spent many years within the Mirror group, serving as assistant editor for the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, and The People. In 1985, he transitioned to Today, where he served as managing editor and later as the editor of Sunday Today starting in 1987.
His return to the Mirror group in 1988 saw him take on the role of deputy editor of the Sunday Mirror. By 1990, he became the deputy editor and subsequently the acting editor of the Daily Mirror. In 1991, he was appointed editor of The People—a milestone that surprised Hagerty, as he had believed his age (being in his fifties) might preclude him from leading a major national newspaper.
Transitions and Later Contributions
The death of proprietor Robert Maxwell in 1992 led to a period of upheaval, resulting in Hagerty and many other journalists being removed from their editorial posts. Following this, he diversified his portfolio, working as a theatre and film critic for Today and other publications, eventually becoming the theatre critic for The Sun.
Hagerty's commitment to the profession extended into academic and institutional leadership. In 2002, he was appointed editor of the British Journalism Review, later becoming its chairman in 2012. He also served as the chairman of the Journalists' Charity from 2011 to 2012, remaining a trustee, and served as a director of the London Press Club.
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Literary Works and Final Honors
Beyond the newsroom, Hagerty contributed to the historical record of the press. He authored Read All About It, a centenary history of the Daily Mirror, and edited eight volumes of Alastair Campbell's diaries.
In October 2023, the London Press Club awarded him the Journalist Laureate prize. This prestigious honor recognized his lifetime of work as both a journalist and a passionate ambassador for the industry. He was married to fellow journalist Liz Vercoe.
Hagerty passed away on December 26, 2025, at the age of 86.
Key Facts
- Career Peak: Served as editor of The People and acting editor of the Daily Mirror.
- Major Award: Received the Journalist Laureate prize from the London Press Club in 2023.
- Academic Role: Editor (2002) and later Chairman (2012) of the British Journalism Review.
- Authorship: Wrote the centenary history of the Daily Mirror titled Read All About It.
- Industry Service: Former chairman of the Journalists' Charity and director of the London Press Club.
| Period/Year | Organization/Role | Key Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Reynolds News / Sunday Citizen | Journalist |
| 1985–1988 | Today / Sunday Today | Managing Editor / Editor |
| 1991 | The People | Editor |
| 2002 | British Journalism Review | Editor |
| 2012 | British Journalism Review | Chairman |
| 2023 | London Press Club | Journalist Laureate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which major newspapers did Hagerty edit?
Hagerty served as the editor of The People and Sunday Today, and held the position of acting editor for the Daily Mirror.
What was the significance of the Journalist Laureate prize?
Awarded by the London Press Club in October 2023, this prize honored his lifetime of professional work and his role as an ambassador for journalism.
What books did Hagerty write or edit?
He wrote the Daily Mirror's centenary history, Read All About It, and edited eight volumes of Alastair Campbell's diaries.
How did Robert Maxwell's death affect his career?
Following Maxwell's death in 1992, Hagerty was among several journalists sacked from their editorial posts, leading him to transition into roles such as a theatre and film critic.
What roles did he hold within journalism charities and clubs?
He was the chairman of the Journalists' Charity (2011–12), a trustee of the same charity, and a director of the London Press Club.