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Conrad Black

Conrad Black is a Canadian-born British businessman, author, and former newspaper publisher known for building a major international media empire through Hollinger International.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Conrad Black is a Canadian-born British businessman, author, and former newspaper publisher known for building a major international media empire through Hollinger International. He was convicted in the United States of fraud-related offences in 2007, served a prison sentence, and was later pardoned in 2019. He has also written biographies and political history books and has been a public commentator on politics and media.

Early life and education

Conrad Black was born in Montreal in 1944 and later attended Upper Canada College and Carleton University, according to biographical accounts. Early reporting describes him as entering business and media at a young age.

Media career

Black co-founded and expanded newspaper holdings that became Hollinger International, which controlled major titles in Canada and abroad. He also founded the National Post in 1998 and served as publisher of several large newspapers.

In 2007, Black was convicted in the United States of mail fraud and obstruction of justice. He served time in prison and was later pardoned by President Donald Trump in 2019.

Writing and commentary

Black has published biographies and historical works, including books on Franklin D. Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, Maurice Duplessis, and Donald Trump. He has also contributed columns and commentary on politics, economics, and history.

Key facts

  • Black built one of the world’s largest newspaper groups through Hollinger International.
  • He was born in Montreal in 1944.
  • He founded the National Post in 1998.
  • He was convicted in 2007 of mail fraud and obstruction of justice and served a prison sentence in the United States.
  • He received a pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019.
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Canadian context

Black was born in Montreal and became one of the most prominent Canadian media figures of the late 20th century. He founded the National Post and owned or influenced several major Canadian newspapers, making him a significant figure in Canadian media history.[1][4][5][7]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Conrad Black?
Conrad Black is a Canadian-born British businessman, publisher, author, and columnist best known for building a major newspaper empire.
What was Conrad Black convicted of?
He was convicted in 2007 of mail fraud and obstruction of justice in the United States.
Was Conrad Black pardoned?
Yes. He received a pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019.
What newspapers was Conrad Black associated with?
He was associated with Hollinger International and publications including the National Post, Daily Telegraph, Chicago Sun-Times, and Jerusalem Post.
Is Conrad Black also an author?
Yes. He has written biographies and historical books on political figures and national history.
What is Conrad Black’s connection to the UK?
He is a British life peer and sits as Lord Black of Crossharbour in the House of Lords.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/money/Conrad-Black
    Supports: Birth details, Canadian-born British businessman description, Hollinger International, 2007 conviction.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopediahttps://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/conrad-moffat-black
    Supports: Biography, newspaper ownership, conviction, 2019 pardon, author and columnist roles.
  3. Chartwell Speakershttps://www.chartwellspeakers.com/speaker/conrad-black/
    Supports: Founding of the National Post, newspaper holdings, books, commentary roles.
  4. CBC Newshttps://www.cbc.ca/news2/background/black_conrad/rise-fall.html
    Supports: Career timeline, early newspaper acquisitions, growth of Hollinger, empire scale.
  5. Penguin Random Househttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2428/conrad-black/
    Supports: Authorship, House of Lords membership, newspaper leadership, Canadian residence.
  6. Jewish Telegraphic Agencyhttps://www.jta.org/2004/01/04/lifestyle/the-rise-of-conrad-black
    Supports: Background on rise in newspaper publishing and status as a media baron.
  7. CBS Newshttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/who-is-conrad-black-meet-the-man-pardoned-by-president-trump/
    Supports: Conviction, pardon, business history, Trump connection.