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The Criminality and Ethical Failings of The Sun and News International: A Legacy of Scandal
The settlements involving the Duke of Sussex and Lord Tom Watson are only the latest chapters in the long and troubling history of The Sun and its parent company, News International (now News UK). These cases, centring on unlawful information gathering, phone hacking, and gross intrusions into private lives, reflect a broader culture of illegality and ethical failures stretching back decades.
This article examines the criminal and immoral practices that have plagued The Sun and News International, highlighting key scandals and their wider implications for the media industry and society at large.
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The Genesis of a Toxic Culture
Founded in 1964, The Sun was acquired by Rupert Murdoch’s News International in 1969. Under Murdoch’s ownership, the paper was transformed into a tabloid powerhouse, known for sensational headlines, celebrity gossip, and provocative content. While this approach boosted circulation, it also marked the beginning of a toxic culture prioritising profit and sensationalism over ethics and accountability.
By the 1980s, The Sun had cemented its reputation as Britain’s most controversial newspaper. Its reliance on scandal-driven journalism, disregard for personal privacy, and willingness to manipulate public opinion became hallmarks of its operations. These characteristics set the stage for the criminality that would later engulf News International.
Key Scandals in the History of The Sun
The Hillsborough Disaster and the “The Truth” Headline (1989)
One of the most infamous episodes in The Sun’s history was its coverage of the Hillsborough disaster, in which 97 Liverpool football fans lost their lives due to overcrowding and poor crowd control at an FA Cup semi-final. Four days after the tragedy, The Sun ran a front-page headline titled “The Truth,” falsely claiming that Liverpool fans had pickpocketed victims, urinated on police officers, and assaulted emergency workers.
These allegations were based on false information provided by police sources and were later proven to be entirely unfounded. The backlash was immediate and severe, with many in Liverpool boycotting the paper, a sentiment that persists to this day.
The Hillsborough coverage highlighted The Sun’s willingness to prioritise sensationalism over accuracy, with devastating consequences for the victims’ families and the paper’s credibility. It also foreshadowed the ethical failures that would define its future conduct.
Phone Hacking Scandal (2000s)
The phone hacking scandal, which engulfed News International in the 2000s, is arguably the most significant example of its criminality. While much of the focus has been on The News of the World, The Sun was also implicated in unlawful practices, including phone hacking, surveillance, and the use of private investigators to obtain private information.
Notable victims of phone hacking included celebrities, politicians, and ordinary citizens, such as the family of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler. The revelation that her voicemail had been accessed by The News of the World caused widespread outrage and led to the paper’s closure in 2011.
While The Sun has consistently denied involvement in phone hacking, legal cases have revealed evidence of similar practices at the paper, further tarnishing its reputation.
Invasion of Privacy and Exploitation
Beyond phone hacking, The Sun has faced criticism for its invasive and exploitative journalism. Examples include:
- Publishing topless photos of the Duchess of Cambridge in 2012, taken without her consent while on a private holiday.
- The exploitation of vulnerable individuals for sensational stories, including survivors of crime and celebrities battling addiction or mental health issues.
- Leaking confidential information about public figures, often obtained through unethical means.
These incidents underscore a consistent pattern of disregard for privacy and basic human decency in pursuit of profit.
News International and Systemic Criminality
Bribery and Corruption
In addition to phone hacking, News International has been accused of bribing public officials to secure exclusive stories. Investigations revealed that journalists at The Sun had made payments to police officers, prison guards, and other public servants, creating a network of corrupt informants.
This culture of corruption not only undermined public trust in the press but also compromised the integrity of public institutions.
Perjury and Cover-Ups
As legal challenges mounted against News International, the company engaged in a series of cover-ups to protect its executives and shield itself from accountability.
- Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson: Both former editors of The Sun and The News of the World faced criminal charges related to phone hacking and bribery. While Brooks was acquitted in 2014, Coulson was convicted and sentenced to prison.
- Destruction of Evidence: Allegations surfaced that News International had destroyed evidence related to phone hacking, further obstructing investigations.
- Misleading Parliament: Executives, including Rupert Murdoch, were accused of misleading Parliament during inquiries into the scandal, raising questions about their commitment to transparency.
The Toll on Victims and Society
The criminality and unethical practices of The Sun and News International have caused untold harm to individuals and society.
- Psychological Impact: Victims of phone hacking and privacy invasions, including Prince Harry, have spoken about the profound psychological toll of these violations. For many, the experience of having their most private moments exposed was deeply traumatic.
- Erosion of Trust: The scandals have eroded public trust in the press, with many questioning the legitimacy of media organisations that prioritise profit over ethics.
- Undermining Democracy: By targeting politicians and public figures, News International undermined democratic institutions and sought to influence public opinion through unethical means.
The Role of Rupert Murdoch and News International Leadership
At the heart of this saga is Rupert Murdoch, whose leadership style and business model have been central to the culture of News International. Murdoch’s focus on sensationalism and profit created an environment in which unethical behaviour was not only tolerated but actively encouraged.
Despite repeated scandals, Murdoch has remained a powerful figure in the media industry, raising questions about the accountability of media moguls and the need for stricter regulation.
Lessons and the Path Forward
The history of The Sun and News International is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power in the media industry. To prevent similar abuses in the future, several steps are necessary:
- Stronger Regulation: The UK must implement stricter press regulations, including the full recommendations of the Leveson Inquiry, to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Cultural Change: Media organisations must prioritise ethical journalism and create internal mechanisms to prevent misconduct.
- Independent Oversight: A new independent body should be established to investigate past and present abuses by media organisations, ensuring that all those responsible are held to account.
The Impact Of The Sun On Its Readers
The Sun Lacks Integrity
The criminality and unethical practices of The Sun and News International represent a profound betrayal of journalistic principles. From the Hillsborough disaster to the phone hacking scandal, these episodes highlight the dangers of prioritising profit and power over truth and decency.
While recent legal victories for Prince Harry and Lord Watson offer a measure of justice, they also serve as a reminder of the work still to be done. The media has a vital role to play in society, but it must operate with integrity and respect for the law. Only then can it regain the trust of the public and fulfil its democratic responsibilities.