The Sun

Launched in March 1964 to replace the defunct Daily Herald, The Sun began its life as a broadsheet publication before Rupert Murdoch acquired it in 1969. The new owner immediately pivoted the title toward mass-market sensationalism and compact formatting, a strategy that propelled the paper to become the United Kingdoms best-selling daily newspaper for nearly fifty years. This dominance lasted until March 2018, when the free Metro newspaper surpassed its circulation figures, though The Sun remains a central pillar of British news and sport coverage.

News Group Newspapers, a division of News UK owned by News Corp, currently publishes the title from its headquarters at Wapping in East London. The site holds historical significance as the location where print workers struck in 1986, an event that accelerated the industry shift away from traditional union structures. Leadership has seen frequent changes over the decades, with James Murdoch serving as Chairman of News UK while editorial direction shifts between various editors who balance high-volume headlines against public scrutiny.

The brand expanded its footprint in February 2012 by launching The Sun on Sunday, which filled the market gap created after the closure of the News of the World. Regional editions cater to specific nations including Glasgow for Scotland, Belfast for Northern Ireland, and Dublin for the Republic of Ireland. By March 2020, the daily edition averaged 1.21 million copies in circulation, supported by a robust digital ecosystem at thesun.co.uk that features live blogs, video content, and interactive sports coverage. [edit]