Earlier this year we took a look at the top performing stories of the first quarter of the year. Now with the year in news in the month of August, Head of Analytics and Insight Peter Fabianski looks closer at the performance data of PA’s editorial platform Explore, paying close attention to the months of April to July and reviewing what were the stories that resonated most with PA’s customers.
The period between April and July was marked by a diverse news agenda, spanning political developments, major sporting events, royal affairs and stories with significant cultural impact. Looking back at the top-performing stories across Explore provides a snapshot of the topics that defined the news cycle over the past four months.
Politics produced the highest-performing story overall, with “Starmer takes responsibility for ‘tough’ election results but vows to carry on” topping the rankings. It reflected a significant moment in the UK’s political landscape as Sir Keir Starmer responded to Labour’s election setbacks. The period concluded with another major political development, as Andy Burnham became Prime Minister in July.
April to July was largely defined by developments in Westminster, with leadership, accountability and major public interest stories dominating the news agenda.
Sir Keir Starmer’s response to Labour’s election results led the category. His acceptance of responsibility, paired with a defiant pledge to carry on, gave the story a tension that resonated well beyond Westminster.
The murder inquiry following the death of Ann Widdecombe was the other defining political story of the early period. A former Cabinet minister and prominent public figure, Widdecombe’s death – and the subsequent police investigation – generated sustained national coverage that cut across political and general news audiences.
Andy Burnham’s first speech as Prime Minister completed the top three, as his call for a “national sense of unity” set the tone for a new government following a period of considerable political upheaval.
Royal coverage throughout the period balanced institutional reporting with stories involving senior members of the Royal Family.
Reporting on Royal Lodge arrangements topped the category, followed by the King’s Birthday Honours—one of the Royal calendar’s key annual moments. As a royal calendar fixture, it reliably delivers engagement – but this year’s announcement drew particular traction through a well-rounded mix of recipients. Prince Harry’s Buckingham Palace story completed the top three, illustrating continued interest in developments surrounding the Duke of Sussex.
June and July were naturally dominated by the FIFA World Cup, one of the biggest events in the global sporting calendar. While the tournament shaped much of the sports news agenda, the highest-performing stories focused on the wider issues surrounding the competition rather than match action alone.
UEFA’s criticism of FIFA over the reversal of Folarin Balogun’s ban led the rankings, while Argentina’s disciplinary case over a Falkland Islands banner highlighted how governance and controversy became major talking points throughout the tournament. The death of former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger at 48 was a different kind of story altogether. A personal tragedy during an otherwise high-volume World Cup cycle, it cut through on the strength of genuine public feeling.
Entertainment was led by one of the biggest crossover stories of the period. The cancellation of Wireless Festival following the decision to block Kanye West from entering the UK extended beyond entertainment pages, becoming part of the wider political news agenda.
The revelation that Scott Mills was the BBC’s highest earner until his sacking was the second-biggest story of the period, combining pay transparency at a publicly funded broadcaster with the added news peg of his departure.
Kanye West featured again to complete the top three, as his offer to meet with the British Jewish community ahead of a planned London performance kept his UK entry controversy firmly in the entertainment spotlight.
Government policy and measures affecting consumers and businesses shaped the Finance category throughout the period.
Keir Starmer’s plans to give technology companies three months to implement stronger child safety measures topped the rankings. A story combining government action, major global platforms and the protection of children had an obvious public interest pull.
The business rates announcement offered a different kind of policy story: sector-specific relief for pubs, clubs and music venues, with a clear percentage figure and a well-defined set of beneficiaries.
Rising airport drop-off charges completed the top three – a cost-of-living story that cuts across demographics and connects directly to the travel experiences of a large proportion of the Explore audience.
Unlike the other categories, Lifestyle was not shaped by a single defining news event. Its top three reflected the full breadth of the editorial agenda – long-form interview, practical home advice and timely seasonal content – and, taken together, illustrated the range of reasons audiences return to Explore beyond breaking news.
An interview with David Morrissey, Alan Cumming and Russell T Davies on topped the category. The rankings also reflected seasonal trends, with practical advice on common bathroom problems and whether sunscreen is still needed in the evening during the UK’s summer heatwaves completing the top three. The sunscreen story in particular is a good example of seasonal timing driving audience reach – the right question, asked at the right moment in the UK’s summer.
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