Jeremy Clarkson’s long association with The Sun newspaper remains one of the most significant media relationships in modern British journalism. His columns shaped public debate, influenced reader attitudes, sparked controversies, and redefined tabloid opinion writing. In 2025, interest in Clarkson’s history with The Sun continues to rise due to shifting media landscapes, renewed scrutiny of celebrity commentary, and ongoing debates about accountability and freedom of expression in British media. This article explains Clarkson’s relationship with The Sun, its impact on journalism, key controversies, modern trends, its relevance in 2025, expert insights, practical takeaways, and real-world examples, concluding with FAQs.
Understanding Jeremy Clarkson’s Relationship With The Sun
Jeremy Clarkson’s name has been tied to countless headlines, but few platforms defined his voice as prominently as The Sun. Jeremy Clarkson the sun is a phrase that continues to trend in 2025 because audiences want clarity on how the outspoken broadcaster shaped, and was shaped by, Britain’s most widely read tabloid newspaper. Clarkson wrote columns for The Sun for years, combining humour, provocation, and commentary in a way few other journalists managed.
Clarkson’s writing helped build his persona beyond television. Before he became globally famous through Top Gear and later The Grand Tour, he had already cultivated a loyal readership as a columnist who stirred conversation. His Sun columns often blurred the line between satire and criticism, something which made him loved by many and heavily criticised by others. Understanding the Clarkson–The Sun dynamic is essential for anyone researching modern British media culture, tabloid influence, and the evolution of celebrity commentary.
The Origins of Clarkson’s Connection to The Sun
Jeremy Clarkson joined The Sun during the height of the paper’s tabloid dominance. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, The Sun regularly exceeded three million daily readers, according to UK Audit Bureau of Circulations data. Clarkson quickly became one of its most-read columnists. His writing covered everything from politics to cars, TV, everyday British life, consumer issues, and global events. Much of his success came from his ability to communicate complicated social or political topics in direct, conversational language.
Clarkson’s early columns often championed car culture, which aligned with his growing influence on Top Gear. Over time, however, his topics expanded, and his opinions grew sharper. It was this mix of humour, bluntness, and unpredictability that made his weekly pieces so widely shared.
Why Jeremy Clarkson’s Sun Columns Became So Influential
Several factors contributed to the long-term success of Clarkson’s Sun pieces. First was his ability to speak like an ordinary reader. He avoided academic language and instead used a conversational style that resonated with British working and middle-class communities.
Second, Clarkson excelled at weaving storytelling into opinion writing. Rather than presenting a viewpoint directly, he often told an anecdote, led readers through his thought process, and delivered observations through humour. This made his columns more engaging and accessible compared to traditional political commentary.
Third, controversy played a role. Clarkson’s pieces frequently became viral topics because they were provocative. This contributed to The Sun’s readership engagement and helped solidify Clarkson as a household media personality.
Major Controversies Surrounding Clarkson and The Sun
It is impossible to explore Jeremy Clarkson’s relationship with The Sun without acknowledging the controversies. Some columns drew widespread criticism for being insensitive, harsh, or crossing boundaries of acceptable humour. The most high-profile incidents triggered complaints to regulators, public apologies, and debates in Parliament.
One famous example is his December 2022 column in The Sun, which referenced Meghan Markle. The article received more than 20,000 complaints, making it the most complained-about article in UK press regulation history, according to IPSO. Clarkson later issued a public apology, and The Sun removed the article from its website. The controversy dramatically reshaped how the public viewed Clarkson’s commentary style.
Even before that, Clarkson had occasionally faced criticism for comments related to politics, immigration, and public figures. However, the 2022 incident marked a turning point because it coincided with a broader shift in the UK media ecosystem where accountability and social responsibility were gaining prominence.
The Sun’s Editorial Culture and Clarkson’s Impact
The Sun is known for its bold editorial stance. Its identity as a tabloid thrives on sharp opinions, humour, celebrity commentary, and provocative topics. Clarkson fit this editorial style perfectly for much of his tenure.
His writing helped The Sun maintain readership engagement amid digital transformation. Studies from Reuters Institute show that by the mid-2010s, traditional print readers were moving online rapidly. Social media became a primary source of news discovery. Clarkson’s columns were frequently shared across social platforms, contributing to The Sun’s online visibility.
Even as print circulation declined, Clarkson’s pieces remained among the most emailed, shared, and discussed features. His columns helped bridge the paper’s transition into a digital-first era and offered consistency to loyal readers.
How Clarkson’s Writing Evolved Over the Years
Jeremy Clarkson’s tone changed significantly from his early writing years to the 2020s. As scrutiny around celebrity opinions increased and digital audiences became more sensitive to certain topics, Clarkson shifted from unfiltered humour toward slightly more measured commentary. However, he maintained his trademark bluntness.
His writing also matured. Where earlier columns focused on comedic exaggeration and extreme analogies, later pieces adopted a more reflective tone, influenced by his age, personal experiences, and work on Clarkson’s Farm. His Sun writing increasingly included commentary on rural life, environmental challenges, agriculture, and British bureaucracy.
This evolution illustrated his adaptability as a columnist and helped him stay relevant in changing times.
Clarkson’s Sun Columns in the Context of 2025 Media Trends
In 2025, interest in Clarkson’s journalism continues to rise because of three major trends:
Increased Public Interest in Media Transparency
Readers increasingly demand accountability from journalists and public figures. Many are revisiting Clarkson’s old columns, analysing their impact and whether traditional tabloid commentary still aligns with modern values.
Renewed Debate on Freedom of Speech in British Media
Clarkson’s controversies often resurface in discussions about free expression. Legal analysts frequently cite his high-profile articles when discussing the balance between satire, opinion, and responsible journalism.
The Shift Toward Personality-Driven Journalism
Clarkson was one of the pioneers of personality-led commentary. Today, media houses heavily rely on names, rather than beats, to generate engagement. Clarkson’s format has influenced dozens of modern opinion writers and social commentators.
Real-Life Examples of Clarkson’s Sun Influence
Several real-world cases demonstrate how Clarkson’s columns shaped public conversation:
National Debates on Environmental Policy
After Clarkson began documenting his farm experiences, his Sun columns discussing agricultural regulations, weather patterns, and government red tape drew attention from both farmers and policymakers. These writings helped demystify the struggles of rural workers for urban audiences.
Consumer Advocacy
Clarkson occasionally used his Sun platform to criticise poor-quality products, bureaucratic hurdles, or corporate practices. In several cases, companies issued responses or clarifications after his pieces went viral.
Cultural Commentary
Clarkson’s humorous takes on British customs, public transport, or seasonal habits often sparked national conversations. Many readers appreciated the relatability and humour he brought to everyday topics.
These examples show that Clarkson’s influence extended beyond entertainment into areas that affected real people’s lives.
Jeremy Clarkson and The Sun: A Modern Reassessment
In 2025, readers and journalists are reassessing Clarkson’s legacy with more nuance. While his writing sometimes crossed boundaries, he also shaped public debate and helped define the tone of British opinion journalism. Clarkson’s columns became cultural artefacts, illustrating how public conversation has evolved over decades.
Younger audiences often discover Clarkson through Clarkson’s Farm and then explore his earlier writing to understand how he built his media persona. Meanwhile, long-time readers revisit his columns for nostalgia and entertainment.
Scholars studying British media see Clarkson’s work as a case study in how tabloids balance humour, provocation, and influence. His collaboration with The Sun remains a defining chapter in UK journalism.
Practical Tips for Readers Evaluating Clarkson’s Columns Today
To understand Clarkson’s articles in context, readers can apply several practical methods:
Evaluate the Publication Era
Different social norms shaped commentary over the decades. Early 2000s humour differs greatly from 2025 standards. Recognising this helps you interpret the tone accurately.
Distinguish Satire from Literal Opinion
Clarkson frequently used exaggeration to make a point. Understanding his comedic style helps avoid misinterpretation.
Cross-Check Claims
Although humorous, his columns often referenced real-life issues. Cross-checking these claims adds clarity and reduces misunderstanding.
Consider Broader Media Influence
Clarkson’s writing did not exist in isolation. It was part of a larger tabloid culture that encouraged bold takes and personality-driven commentary.
Engage With Multiple Sources
Reading other journalists’ responses helps form a balanced view of Clarkson’s impact.
How The Sun Benefited From Clarkson’s Column
Clarkson was one of the publication’s strongest brand assets. His columns attracted readers who might not have otherwise visited The Sun. Additionally, his articles frequently dominated trending lists, boosting site traffic and engagement.
Digital analytics reports from the mid-2020s show that celebrity commentators often drive up to 20–30% of a newspaper’s commentary section traffic. Clarkson consistently ranked among The Sun’s most-viewed voices during his tenure.
Why People Still Google “Jeremy Clarkson The Sun” in 2025
Search data trends from Google, Reddit, X, and news aggregators show that interest remains high because:
Readers want to know the details behind Clarkson’s most controversial articles
Media students and journalists study his writing style
Viewers of Clarkson’s Farm look for his written perspectives
Researchers examine how tabloids shape cultural attitudes
Debates about free speech revive interest in past columns
This ongoing interest keeps the topic relevant for SEO and broader discussion.
What Jeremy Clarkson’s Sun Era Reveals About British Media Culture
Clarkson’s time at The Sun serves as a mirror to the broader trends of British journalism. His columns showcased Britain’s love for wit, sarcasm, and blunt opinion. They also revealed the limits of provocation and how public reception evolves over time.
His career highlights the tension between free expression and social responsibility, a debate still central to media organisations today. Clarkson’s legacy at The Sun continues to influence how future journalists craft opinion writing.
FAQs
Why was Jeremy Clarkson’s 2022 Sun column so controversial?
It drew widespread criticism for referencing Meghan Markle in a manner many found misogynistic. It became the most complained-about article in UK press regulation history.
Does Jeremy Clarkson still write for The Sun in 2025?
As of 2025, his involvement fluctuates. He contributes less frequently than before, focusing on television projects and books, but archived columns remain widely read.
What topics did Clarkson usually write about in The Sun?
He covered politics, cars, British culture, daily frustrations, rural life, farming, and global events, often using humour and storytelling.
How did Clarkson influence tabloid journalism?
He popularised personality-driven commentary, blending humour and opinion in a conversational tone. His approach influenced an entire generation of columnists.
Are Jeremy Clarkson’s Sun articles still popular?
Yes. Archived pieces continue to receive significant search interest, especially among new fans discovering his work through Clarkson’s Farm.
In Summary
Jeremy Clarkson’s relationship with The Sun is one of the most fascinating chapters in modern British media. His columns reflected the humour, contradictions, and energy of a changing nation. For decades, Clarkson shaped public conversation through provocative storytelling, blending commentary with entertainment in a way few writers could match.
In 2025, as the media landscape evolves and digital accountability grows sharper, Clarkson’s Sun legacy remains a valuable lens for understanding opinion journalism. Whether readers see him as a bold commentator, a cultural critic, or a provocateur, his impact on The Sun and its readership is undeniable. Exploring his columns today offers insight into how British media has grown, adapted, and sometimes stumbled—while reminding us of the power a single columnist can hold over national conversation.
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