The United Kingdom’s Newspapers have contributed significantly to the country’s history. This article is a curated list that comprises the 10 largest newspapers in the United Kingdom in 2024. It also mentions the average circulation, foundation year, and the owner of the top leading newspapers.
In the United Kingdom, newspapers have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s history and continue to serve as a crucial source of information despite the digital age. While some may consider newspapers outdated, they remain a cornerstone of reliable journalism.
Recent data shows that approximately 62% of adults in the UK still read physical newspapers, with a substantial 49.1 million adults consuming news from various print brands across the country. Here’s an overview of the largest newspapers in the United Kingdom in 2024, highlighting their influence and readership.
About British Newspapers
British newspapers have a rich history dating back to the 17th century, evolving from posters, ballads, and pamphlets to the modern-day broadsheets and tabloids. Initially serving both news and rumors, newspapers gained popularity in the 18th century and reached their zenith in the 20th century before facing a decline in recent decades.
UK newspapers are broadly categorized into two types: intellectual newspapers focusing on education, finance, and current affairs, and tabloids known for their entertainment and sensational news coverage. Leading the pack is The Metro, the highest-selling newspaper in the United Kingdom.
List of the Top 10 Largest UK Newspapers in 2024
Metro
- Average Circulation: 953,475
- Founded: Not specified
- Owned By: DMG Media
The Metro, published by The Daily Mail and General Trust (DMG), has rapidly grown to become one of the UK’s fastest-growing newspapers. With a monthly audience increase of 15.9%, it boasts a total readership of 16 million. Distributed Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, The Metro has solidified its position as a leading daily newspaper.
The Telegraph
- Average Circulation: N/A
- Founded: 1855
- Owned By: Telegraph Media Group
Founded by Colonel Arthur B. Sleigh in 1855, The Daily Telegraph remains a stalwart in British journalism. Recent data indicates a readership of over 15.9 million, although its circulation saw a notable decline of 20% in 2018. Known for its comprehensive daily coverage, The Telegraph continues to uphold its legacy as a respected newspaper.
Daily Mail
- Average Circulation: 735,857
- Founded: 1896
- Owned By: Daily Mail and General Trust
Founded by Alfred Harmsworth in 1896, The Daily Mail ranks as the second-largest newspaper in terms of circulation. It boasts a predominantly female readership and attracts an average of 218 million online visitors in addition to its print readership. The Daily Mail remains a significant player in British media.
Evening Standard
- Average Circulation: 314,285
- Founded: 1827
- Owned By: Evgeny Lebedev, Daily Mail & General Trust, Justin Byam Shaw, Geordie Greg
Established in 1827 as The Standard, the Evening Standard transitioned to a free newspaper in 2009 after 180 years of paid circulation. As of May 29, 2024, it resumed daily publication, having previously been a weekly publication. The Evening Standard continues to serve as a prominent London newspaper.
Daily Mirror
- Average Circulation: 240,799
- Founded: 1903
- Owned By: Reach Plc
Founded by Reach Plc in 1903, the Daily Mirror is a national daily tabloid known for its extensive coverage of news and celebrity gossip. While its circulation has fluctuated, it maintains a significant readership across the UK. Alongside its daily edition, it publishes the Sunday Mirror.
Daily Express
- Average Circulation: 152,699
- Founded: 1900
- Owned By: Reach Plc
Launched by Sir Arthur Pearson in 1900, The Daily Express is a prominent British tabloid published in London. At its peak in the 1940s, it held the title of the world’s largest newspaper with a circulation of 4 million copies. Despite declining circulation figures, it remains a fixture in British media.
Daily Star
- Average Circulation: 132,699
- Founded: 1978
- Owned By: Reach Plc
Established in 1978 as part of the Express Newspapers group, the Daily Star initially gained popularity with its competitive cover price. Focused on entertainment, sports, and celebrity news, it continues to cater to a niche audience within the UK media landscape.
City A.M.
- Average Circulation: 67,090
- Founded: 2005
- Owned By: THG Plc
Founded in 2005, City A.M. is a London-based business-focused newspaper. Known for its concise reporting on finance and current affairs, it maintains a strong online presence alongside its print edition, catering primarily to the business community in the capital.
Daily Record
- Average Circulation: 52,618
- Founded: 1895
- Owned By: Reach Plc
Founded as a sister title to the North British Daily Mail in 1895, the Daily Record is a Scottish national tabloid newspaper. It provides extensive coverage of Scottish news and sports, maintaining a loyal readership base in Scotland.
The Guardian
- Average Circulation: 108,687 (As of 2021)
- Founded: 1821
- Owned By: Guardian Media Group
Established in 1821 as The Manchester Guardian, The Guardian is renowned for its independent journalism and progressive editorial stance. Owned by the Scott Trust Limited, it operates alongside its sister publications, The Observer and The Guardian Weekly, and has a significant online presence.
Challenges Faced by the Newspaper Industry
Since their inception, newspapers have been a cornerstone of information dissemination. However, with the advent of television and later the internet, traditional newspapers have faced challenges. The internet, in particular, has revolutionized how news is consumed, leading to a decline in print circulation across the globe.
In the UK, significant shifts in reader habits have prompted several newspapers to adapt or face closure. For instance, The Independent ceased print circulation in 2016 amidst declining sales, reflecting broader trends in the industry. Between 2009 and 2019, nearly 300 newspaper titles shuttered operations in the UK, underscoring the industry’s evolving landscape.
Conclusion
Despite the rise of digital media, traditional newspapers continue to hold sway in the UK media landscape. Their enduring relevance is evident from the readership figures and the continued preference for physical newspapers among certain demographics. For those who value in-depth reporting and tangible reading experiences, these top 10 UK newspapers offer a glimpse into the evolving nature of media consumption in the digital age.
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