Sunday Times (Perth)

Sunday Times (Perth) is a major weekly newspaper published in Perth, Western Australia. It has served as a prominent source of news, sports, business, culture and opinion for readers across Western Australia, connecting metropolitan Perth with regional centres such as Albany, Broome, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury. The title has intersected with many aspects of Australian public life including politics, cricket, Australian Football League, mining and arts coverage.

History

The paper traces roots to the late 19th century, with development alongside institutions like the Western Australian Legislative Council, Government of Western Australia, and influential figures such as John Forrest and Sir John Winthrop Hackett. Over decades the title reported on events including the Fremantle Dock strike, the Kalgoorlie gold rush, the expansion of the Trans-Australian Railway, and wartime developments related to World War I and World War II. Ownership and editorial leadership interacted with entities such as the West Australian Newspapers group, the Murdoch family's media interests and later corporate proprietors tied to conglomerates like News Corporation and local companies in Perth and Melbourne. The paper covered political contests involving the Australian Labor Party (Western Australian Branch), the Liberal Party of Australia (Western Australian Division), and figures like Crawley academics, ministers, and premiers including Brian Burke, Carmen Lawrence, Richard Court and Colin Barnett. Its reporting included coverage of legal matters presided over in courts like the Supreme Court of Western Australia and inquiries such as royal commissions into mining, public works and state finances. Cultural reporting referenced institutions including the Perth International Arts Festival, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Western Australian Museum and events like the Perth Cup and Melbourne Cup when relevant to local interest. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries the title documented social shifts linked to Indigenous affairs involving groups such as the Noongar people, national debates around the Referendum Council (Australia), and regional development initiatives like the Ord River Scheme.

Format and content

The newspaper publishes in a tabloid format with sections on metropolitan news, state politics, business, mining and resources, sports, lifestyle, arts, travel and classifieds. Coverage often intersects with institutions and personalities such as the Australian Securities Exchange, Fortescue Metals Group, BHP, Rio Tinto (corporation), and mining towns including Karratha and Hedland. Sports pages report on West Coast Eagles, Fremantle Football Club, Perth Scorchers, cricket touring sides like England cricket team and personalities such as Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist. Business reporting references corporates like Wesfarmers, Woodside Petroleum, Holt, financial regulators such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and stockmarket events tied to listings on the Australian Securities Exchange. Features include commentary on arts linked to venues like the His Majesty's Theatre, Perth, profiles of artists exhibited at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, food and wine pieces referencing wineries in the Margaret River, and travel writing about the Swan River, Rottnest Island, and the Kimberley (Western Australia). Editorial and opinion draws on contributors with links to universities such as the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, and Murdoch University.

Ownership and management

Ownership history involves media companies and proprietors with ties to national and regional publishers including entities like The West Australian, Seven Network, and national conglomerates that have included Fairfax Media and Nine Entertainment Co. at various corporate intersections. Senior editorial positions have been held by prominent Australian journalists and editors who have had careers across outlets such as The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and broadcast organisations like the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and SBS. Corporate governance has engaged with boards and executives involved in Australian media law, competition issues overseen by bodies such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and regulatory frameworks including the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Local management interacts with Perth institutions including the Perth City Council, chambers of commerce, and business advocacy groups that shape advertising and commercial relationships.

Circulation and distribution

Circulation has fluctuated in response to market shifts affecting print titles across Australia including national trends observed by research bodies like the Australian Bureau of Statistics and industry groups such as the Australian Press Council and the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance. Distribution networks extend across metropolitan and regional Western Australia, using logistics hubs in Perth and transport links via the Great Eastern Highway, Mitchell Freeway, and freight connections to regional centres including Geraldton, Mount Magnet and Esperance. The title has competed with local and national papers including The West Australian, The Australian, The Sunday Times (UK), and community papers produced by publishers such as Community Newspaper Group. Advertising revenue streams reflect relationships with banks like the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, retailers such as Woolworths Limited and Coles Group, and property markets in areas like Subiaco and West Perth.

Digital presence and archives

Digital editions, websites and social media accounts provide online access to news, opinion and multimedia content, connecting with audiences through platforms including Facebook, Twitter (now X), Instagram and video channels akin to those used by YouTube. Archives and digitisation efforts interface with institutions like the National Library of Australia's digitisation programs, state libraries such as the State Library of Western Australia, and academic repositories at the University of Western Australia and Curtin University. Historical issues are consulted by researchers in projects related to Australian history, journalism studies and regional heritage, linking with collections that reference landmarks such as Kings Park and Botanic Garden and events like the 1956 Murray River flood in comparative coverage. The digital strategy aligns with wider industry moves observed at outlets like The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age toward paywalls, subscription models, multimedia storytelling and podcasting.

Category:Newspapers published in Perth, Western Australia