The Sun on Sunday
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| The Sun on Sunday | |
|---|---|
| Name | The Sun on Sunday |
| Type | Sunday newspaper |
| Format | Tabloid |
| Foundation | 2012 |
| Owners | News UK |
| Publisher | News Group Newspapers |
| Editor | Unknown |
| Language | English |
| Headquarters | London |
The Sun on Sunday is a British tabloid Sunday newspaper launched in 2012 as a successor title following the closure of a previous Sunday tabloid. It is published in London and distributed across the United Kingdom and Ireland, featuring news, sport, celebrity features, opinion columns, and popular culture coverage. The title has been associated with high-profile editorial decisions, commercial promotions, and disputes involving public figures, media regulators, and legal authorities.
History
The launch followed the closure of a prior Sunday title amid investigations involving Leveson Inquiry, Metropolitan Police Service, and News International. The inaugural edition was overseen by executives from News Corporation and News UK, with input from editors linked to Rupert Murdoch's newspaper interests and figures connected to The Sun (United Kingdom). Early management included journalists who previously worked at Daily Mirror, Daily Mail, and Daily Express. The title's establishment occurred during a period of intense scrutiny of UK press practices involving institutions such as Press Complaints Commission, Independent Press Standards Organisation, and cultural debates in the United Kingdom Parliament.
Editorial content and format
The paper follows a tabloid layout similar to other British papers such as Daily Mirror, Daily Mail, and The Daily Telegraph but targets a Sunday readership akin to News of the World's former audience. Sections commonly cover stories involving Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Royal Family, Premier League, and entertainment figures including performers from Brit Awards, actors associated with BAFTA, and musicians linked to Glastonbury Festival. Regular features have included columns by journalists who previously wrote for The Sun (United Kingdom), interviews with politicians from Conservative Party (UK), commentators associated with Labour Party (UK), and coverage of international events involving United States presidential elections, European Union, and conflicts like Iraq War. The sports pages highlight athletes from Manchester United F.C., Liverpool F.C., Wimbledon Championships, and personalities from Formula One.
Circulation and distribution
Print circulation figures have been audited by organizations including Audit Bureau of Circulations and analysed by media researchers at Ofcom and academic centres such as London School of Economics. Distribution relies on national retail chains like Tesco and Sainsbury's, and newsagents tied to industry groups represented in Society of Editors. The title competes with Sunday papers such as The Observer, Sunday Times, and Sunday Telegraph for market share, employing promotional offers similar to those used by The Sun (United Kingdom) and publishers under Reach plc.
Controversies and legal issues
The paper's genesis and subsequent reporting have intersected with high-profile controversies involving Leveson Inquiry, Metropolitan Police Service, and litigation before courts such as the High Court of Justice. Stories have led to legal actions involving public figures including politicians from Conservative Party (UK), celebrities represented by agencies like Creative Artists Agency, and sports stars associated with England national football team. Regulatory attention involved bodies such as Independent Press Standards Organisation and debates in House of Commons committees. The title has faced allegations similar to those raised in cases involving News International phone hacking scandal and settlements referencing legal firms such as Schillings and counsels who have appeared before the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.
Ownership and corporate structure
The newspaper is owned by News UK, a subsidiary within the corporate group controlled by interests tied to News Corporation and international holdings historically associated with Rupert Murdoch. Corporate governance has involved executives who have held roles across News Corporation's portfolio, with operational functions managed by News Group Newspapers and commercial activities coordinated with advertising teams liaising with agencies represented at Advertising Association. The publisher's holdings sit alongside titles such as The Times and The Sun (United Kingdom), and corporate decisions have been subject to scrutiny by regulatory bodies including Competition and Markets Authority.
Reception and impact
Critical reception has varied: some commentators from Broadcasting House (BBC) and columnists at The Guardian and Financial Times have criticised its editorial style, while others in popular media such as Daily Star have noted its market appeal. The title has influenced public debates referenced in House of Commons discussions and has been cited in academic studies at institutions like University of Oxford and King's College London examining media effects, press regulation, and celebrity culture. Its commercial promotions and campaigns have been emulated by competitors including Reach plc titles, affecting advertising strategies across the British newspaper sector.