The Advertiser (Adelaide)

The Advertiser (Adelaide)
source
Name	The Advertiser
Type	Daily newspaper
Format	Tabloid
Foundation	12 July 1858
Owners	News Corp Australia
Headquarters	Adelaide, South Australia
Editor	Matt Deighton
Political	Centre-right
Website	www.adelaidenow.com.au

The Advertiser (Adelaide). It is a daily tabloid newspaper published in Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. Founded in 1858, it is the state's largest and oldest daily publication, forming a key part of the News Corp Australia network. The newspaper has played a central role in the political and social development of South Australia, transitioning from a broadsheet to its current tabloid format in 2012.

History

The newspaper was first published on 12 July 1858 by Robert Thomas and his son Robert Richard Thomas, who had previously operated the South Australian Register. Initially a weekly, it became a daily publication in 1869. The paper was acquired by the Herald and Weekly Times group in 1929, which itself was later taken over by Rupert Murdoch's News Limited in 1987, integrating it into the modern News Corp Australia. Key historical moments covered by its journalists include the Federation of Australia, both World War I and World War II, and significant state events like the construction of the Adelaide Oval and the Barossa Valley wine region's development. For much of the 20th century, it faced direct competition from the afternoon tabloid The News, which it ultimately absorbed in 1992.

Circulation and readership

As the dominant metropolitan daily in South Australia, it consistently leads in circulation within the state. According to industry audits from the Audit Bureau of Circulations (Australasia), its print circulation has followed national downward trends, while digital subscriptions have grown. Its readership demographics are broad, with strong penetration in the Adelaide metropolitan area and regional centers like Mount Gambier, Whyalla, and Port Pirie. The newspaper's Sunday edition, the Sunday Mail, maintains a separate identity and traditionally achieves higher circulation figures, often ranking among the top-selling Sunday newspapers in Australia.

Editorial stance and influence

Traditionally, its editorial line has been centre-right, generally endorsing the Liberal Party in state elections and frequently supporting the Coalition federally. This alignment has shaped its coverage of major state issues such as economic development, the South Australian electricity crisis, and projects like the Olympic Dam mine expansion. Its political influence is considered significant in state politics, with its endorsements and investigative reporting often impacting public debate and policy. The editorial board has also campaigned on local issues including River Murray water management and reforms to the South Australian Health Commission.

Digital presence and operations

Its primary digital platform is AdelaideNow, which launched in 1997 and hosts news, sport, and lifestyle content. The operation is integrated into the News Corp Australia national digital network, sharing resources and content with other major titles like the Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). A digital subscription model, News+, provides access to all its content. The newspaper's headquarters are located at 31 Waymouth Street in the Adelaide city centre, which also houses the studios of Sky News Australia and the production facilities for The Australian.

Notable contributors and journalists

Over its long history, the publication has been a launchpad for many prominent Australian journalists. Noted editors have included Lloyd Dumas and David Combe. Among its famed columnists and writers are political journalist and author Clem Lloyd, war correspondent and historian C.E.W. Bean, and cartoonist John Frith. Contemporary notable figures include political editor Paul Starick, commentator and former Adelaide City Council member Alexander Downer, and investigative reporter Cameron England. It has also featured contributions from renowned figures like poet and essayist Max Harris, who was central to the Ern Malley hoax.

Category:Newspapers published in Adelaide Category:News Corp Australia Category:Publications established in 1858