Murdoch claims 3m sales of Sun on Sunday
Chairman and chief executive of News Corporation Rupert Murdoch claims that the first Sunday edition of The Sun sold three million copies yesterday (26 February) as British Gas, Talk Talk, Morrisons and Boots were among the first brands to advertise.
Murdoch took to Twitter to say: “Reports early, but new Sun edition sold 3m”. The News Corporation boss said last week that he would be happy if the paper sold two million.
His claims were unverified but if true would put The Sun ahead of the 2.67 million that bought the News of the World before the phone hacking scandal forced its closure last July. The Sun sells 2.75 million copies each weekday and 2.85 million on Saturday.
More estimates are expected later today. The paper’s first ABC will be published in April.
In an attempt to draw a line under the phone hacking scandal, the paper’s first editorial promised to demonstrate “trust” and “decency” but remain “fearless, outspoken, mischievous and fun”. It added that the closure of the News of the World had been a “sobering experience”.
The paper’s first front page featured an interview with Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden about the difficulties she experienced during the birth of her daughter. Regular Sun sections such as show business column Bizarre and football pullout Goals also featured.
Its 50p price point sparked red top rivals Sunday Mirror and the Daily Star’s Sunday edition to cut their prices to match the new entrant. Mid-market rival Mail on Sunday included three free supplements.
Other advertisers in The Sun’s first Sunday edition included Iceland, Three and Halifax.
