The Sun
The Sun
2024 saw the culmination of a 18 month investigation into the off-screen abuse of power by Huw Edwards. Dominating the news agenda, the BBC apologised to the parents at the centre of the complaint, Edwards left his role, and the young person confirmed the Sun’s original report that Edwards had paid a vulnerable young person for explicit images. In July, following months of questioning by Sun reporters, the paper broke the story that the CPS and MET had charged Edwards with making indecent images.
An investigation into Strictly Come Dancing highlighted shocking behaviour behind the scenes of the flagship show, revealing “several” celebrities had instructed top lawyers over their experiences. BBC Director General was forced to confront the story at the launch of the annual report and apologised to those people who had complained with new protocols and guidance introduced.
Following that story, we broke the news Jermaine Jenas had been quietly sacked by the BBC after inappropriately texting two junior female members of staff. Within 24 hours, The Sun also secured a 60 minute interview with her leading news bulletins for days. The BBC's Director had to make yet another apology to staff in light of a series of Sun scoops and investigations covering Edwards, Strictly and Jenas.
In January The Sun's moving front page broke the tragic news about the death of toddler Bronson Battersby, who was found dead at the feet of his deceased father. It raised important questions for the authorities and led PMQs in the Commons, prompting the council to announce a review. The story, an important example of why public interest journalism must continue to thrive, ensured the council and police watchdog held reviews - serving a vulnerable family and community, who otherwise may never have had their voices heard.
A world exclusive video showing the Princess of Wales in public for the first time since being the subject of online rumours - and was picked up by nearly every outlet across the globe.
Putting Sun readers at the heart fo the election, a brand new political series for the brand -Never Mind The Ballots hosted by Political Editor Harry Cole - attracted the biggest political guests including Sir Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak, Nigel Farage and Liz Truss. It also hosted the nt publisher debate with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition with both leaders wanting to speak directly to Sun readers. Footage from the debate was viewed over 15 million times.
With a world on the edge, Defence Editor Jerome Starkey continued to hold the government and authorities to account, revealing how the UK's Trident submarine had suffered a failed missile launch - forcing the Ministry of Defence into a rare statement.
Scarlet Howes’ investigation into Just Stop Oils plot to close the M25 led to record sentences being given to protesters with the judge hailing our investigation in court.
In August, The Sun revealed they had seen leaked documents showing Labour were planning to ban smoking in public areas such as pub gardens leading to debate across the country and TV. Starmer confirmed the plan hours later which resulted in debate and conversation for weeks. Health Sec Wes Streeting later confirmed the government had pulled the plan because The Sun's story meant “representations were heard, and we took those representations very seriously because we know the hospitality industry has been through an absolutely torrid time … It’s not in the national interest to see our high streets further suffer.”
Most recently, The Sun broke the original story that Gregg Wallace had been probed by the BBC over inappropriate sexual comments to a female BBC staffer. We revealed for the first time that BBC bosses had cautioned the host in 2018 for taking off his top and inappropriate workplace conversation. Weeks later, the BBC confirmed Wallace was stepping away from Masterchef while they investigated even more claims.