Media24 GM of lifestyle and community news Minette Ferreira had witnessed the launch of the Daily Sun newspaper.

She tells of the initial battle to convince advertisers of the size and value of a then largely underserved market. "No-one gave us half a chance, then we cracked the right circulation level and the paper just flew," says Ferreira.

Media24 says that it remains committed to the Daily Sun brand and serving an audience of loyal users whom advertisers can engage with too.

The publication says that a shining example of the brand's growth is reflected in its Facebook figures. More than two million followers rely on Daily Sun for news, human interest stories, advice and assistance. It also received nearly one million monthly unique browsers on Daily Sun's website.

"It is important for us to sell 360-degree solutions to clients. They are excited to experiment with us as part of the journey and acknowledge Daily Sun's content positioning. Our editorial teams identify with this growing middle-market and produce content critical to South Africa," says Ferreira.

According to editor Mapula Nkosi, unlocking the market with an array of platform choices — yet sticking with the tried and tested Daily Sun content model — is paying dividends.

Nkosi describes their current journey as an evolution that the staff are passionate about being part of. "Staff participated in our revised payoff line by submitting suggestions. Our Paper has become our lives — our journey — reflecting Daily Sun's expansion across media platforms and their understanding of and reporting on how the lives of their consumers are evolving," says Nkosi.

The original brand positioning describing the typical reader as 'The Man in the Blue Overall', has also evolved, says the newspaper.

"The reader carries a cellphone in his or her pocket and whether rural or township based, he or she is on the move, we speak their language and champion their voices in a credible way. Their journey becomes part of our journey," adds the newspaper.

Following a thorough analysis of the Daily Sun print distribution network, a decision was made in 2020 to focus on areas that traditionally attracted the most readers. The newspaper is currently available across Gauteng, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Subsequent to these footprint changes in June 2020, the free weekly Daily Sun On the Go was launched to fill gaps in the distribution network across the country. It is gaining traction with an average of 40 000 targeted drops taking place on Thursdays at main transport nodes.

"Not only does this edition create a valuable advertising vehicle for both national and smaller direct clients but it means we retain a tangible presence in the lives of our readers nationally on a weekly basis," says the publication.

Armed with a well-known and trusted brand, targeted print distribution and a growing digital and social media profile, the team at Daily Sun says that it turned its attention to broadcast media opportunities.

This led to the launch of, an advertising-funded TV series broadcasted on Mzansi Wethu and carried on the brand's digital properties, which covers real-life stories in keeping with the Daily Sun content formula and allowing further access to their brand.

Over three million viewers were glued to the first season of Sun'ceda. The second season is due to be aired in September. Nkosi describes the past year as one of massive innovation. She says that she is particularly proud of initiatives aimed at giving back to readers.

"I see social media as the fifth estate, readers dictate at any given hour of the day about what affects their lives. At this time for instance, Covid-19 is leading discussions and news, specifically how to survive until the end of the year," says Nkosi.

"Few media brands can speak to South Africans like Daily Sun does. Our brand puts people first, we speak to the hearts of our audience with content they are talking about," concludes Ferreira.

For more information, visit www.dailysun.co.za. You can also follow the Daily Sun on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.