The Sunday Sun: A Legacy of Regional Journalism in North East England

The Sunday Sun: A Legacy of Regional Journalism in North East England

For over a century, The Sunday Sun has served as a vital source of news and community stories for residents across North East England, Cumbria, and the Scottish Borders. Published from Newcastle upon Tyne, this regional tabloid provides a weekly snapshot of the events shaping the lives of people in these diverse areas.

History and Evolution

The publication first entered the market on August 31, 1919, under the name The Sunday Sun. Over the following decades, the title underwent a subtle branding shift, transitioning to its current name, the Sunday Sun, between 1954 and 1967. Today, it is owned by Reach plc, one of the largest publishing groups in the United Kingdom.

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Editorial Relations and Identity

The Sunday Sun operates as a sister publication to two prominent weekday newspapers: the Evening Chronicle and The Journal. While its name may cause confusion with national titles, it is entirely unconnected to the national tabloid The Sun or its Sunday counterpart, The Sun on Sunday, which was launched in 2012.

Maintaining an apolitical stance, the newspaper focuses on regional reporting rather than partisan political agendas. Until 2018, the publication was led by editor Matt McKenzie.

Legal and Professional Challenges

Like many long-standing news organizations, the Sunday Sun has faced significant legal and professional hurdles. In 2002, the owners (then NCJ) were successfully sued by actor Jimmy Nail. The lawsuit stemmed from allegations published by the paper regarding Nail's behavior during the filming of the third series of the television show Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

More recently, the paper has faced restrictions regarding sports coverage. Since October 2013, the Sunday Sun, along with the Chronicle and Journal, has been banned from Newcastle United F.C. This decision followed the newspapers' coverage of a protest march organized by fans.

Key Facts

  • Founded: August 31, 1919.
  • Headquarters: Groat Market, Newcastle upon Tyne.
  • Format: Weekly tabloid.
  • Circulation: 4,454 (as of 2024).
  • Political Alignment: Apolitical.
  • Ownership: Reach plc.

Publication Overview

Summary of The Sunday Sun Specifications
Feature Detail
Owner Reach plc
Regional Reach North East England, Cumbria, Scottish Borders
Sister Papers Evening Chronicle, The Journal
Website sundaysun.co.uk
Circulation (2024) 4,454

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Sunday Sun related to the national newspaper The Sun?

No, The Sunday Sun is a regional publication and is completely unconnected to the national newspaper The Sun or The Sun on Sunday.

Where is The Sunday Sun based?

The newspaper is headquartered at Groat Market in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Which regions does the newspaper cover?

It is sold and distributed across North East England, Cumbria, and the Scottish Borders.

Why was the paper banned from Newcastle United F.C.?

The ban, which began in October 2013, was a result of the paper's coverage of a protest march conducted by fans.

Who owns The Sunday Sun?

The publication is owned by Reach plc.

References

  1. "Newcastle Sunday Sun". Audit Bureau of Circulations (UK). 29 January 2025. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  2. The Sunday Sun. No. 1. Newcastle upon Tyne. 31 August 1919. p. 1. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. "Actor Nail wins libel payout". BBC News. 16 December 2002.
  4. "Newcastle United journalist ban emulates Sir Alex Ferguson arrogance | Marina Hyde". the Guardian. 30 October 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2022.