The Sunday Times

The Sunday Times
Type	Weekly newspaper
Foundation	18 February 1821
Owners	News UK (News Corp)
Headquarters	London Bridge, London, England

The Sunday Times. It is a major British weekly newspaper published on Sunday, forming part of the portfolio of News UK, a subsidiary of the global media conglomerate News Corp. Founded in 1821, it is the largest-selling British quality newspaper and is distinct from the daily The Times, though both are under common ownership. Renowned for its in-depth reporting, extensive supplements, and influential investigative journalism, it has played a significant role in British media for over two centuries.

History

The publication was established independently in 1821, originally named *The New Observer* before becoming *The Independent Observer* and finally adopting its current name in 1822. It was acquired by the Thomson Corporation in 1959, which later also purchased the struggling daily The Times in 1966, creating a stable of titles. In 1981, both papers were sold to Rupert Murdoch's News International, a move that sparked significant industrial disputes and legal challenges, including a notable confrontation with the print unions at Wapping. Under Murdoch's ownership, it has undergone substantial modernization, embracing digital platforms and expanding its global reach while maintaining its editorial independence from its daily sister paper.

Content and sections

The publication is famous for its comprehensive range of sections and supplements, which cater to diverse reader interests. Its core news coverage is complemented by dedicated sections such as the Business and Money segments, along with expansive coverage of culture, the arts, and sport. Regular supplements include the acclaimed The Sunday Times Magazine, the Style magazine, and the Rich List, an annual survey of wealth in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It also publishes the Bestseller List and produces extensive travel, property, and driving sections, making it a multi-faceted publication.

Political stance and controversies

Historically, the paper has been associated with a centre-right political stance, often endorsing the Conservative Party in general elections, though it has occasionally supported Labour candidates, such as Tony Blair in 1997. It has been involved in numerous high-profile controversies, including its role in the Thalidomide scandal, where it campaigned for compensation for victims, leading to a landmark European Court of Human Rights case. Other notable incidents include the publication of the Hitler Diaries, which were later proven to be forgeries, and its investigative work into topics like the Bloody Sunday shootings and the Insulate Britain protests.

Circulation and readership

As the largest-selling quality Sunday newspaper in Britain, it has consistently maintained a circulation significantly higher than its main rivals, The Observer and The Sunday Telegraph. Like most print media, its circulation has declined in the digital age, but it has built a substantial online subscriber base through its digital edition and website, which is part of the Times Newspapers Limited digital subscription service. Its readership demographic is typically affluent, well-educated, and influential, with a strong presence among policymakers, business leaders, and cultural figures in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Editors

The paper has been shaped by a succession of notable editors who have defined its character. Key figures include Harry Hodson in the mid-20th century, followed by the influential Harold Evans, whose tenure from 1967 to 1981 was marked by groundbreaking investigative journalism. Later editors include Andrew Neil, who served for over a decade and became a prominent media personality, John Witherow, who later became editor-in-chief of The Times, and Emma Tucker, who took the helm in 2020 before moving to edit The Wall Street Journal in 2023.

Sister publications and related media

It is part of a larger media family owned by News UK. Its most direct sibling is the daily The Times, with which it shares corporate ownership and some digital infrastructure but maintains separate editorial teams. Other related publications within the group include the tabloid The Sun and its Sunday edition, The Sun on Sunday, as well as the radio station talkSPORT. Its content and brand also extend to various digital platforms, podcasts, and live events, such as the Watercolour Competition and the Sportswomen of the Year Awards.

Category:Newspapers published in the United Kingdom Category:1821 establishments in the United Kingdom Category:News Corp