The Times is a prestigious British daily national newspaper published in London, widely regarded as one of the world's oldest and most influential publications, known for its conservative editorial stance and significant influence on UK politics and public opinion. Founded in 1785 as The Daily Universal Register by John Walter, it adopted its current name on 1 January 1788 and has since evolved into a cornerstone of British journalism. Known for its rigorous reporting and broad coverage of national and international news, politics, business, culture, and sports, The Times maintains a reputation as a newspaper of record in the United Kingdom. It is published alongside its sister publication, The Sunday Times, which was established in 1821, and together they form a key part of the British media landscape, emphasizing in-depth analysis and opinion pieces that shape public discourse. Owned by News UK, a subsidiary of News Corp since 1981, The Times serves as a flagship for Murdoch's influence in British journalism and has undergone significant transformations, including a shift from broadsheet to compact format in 2004 to adapt to changing reader preferences and market dynamics. Under the influence of proprietor Rupert Murdoch, the newspaper has been both praised for its investigative journalism—such as exposés on political scandals—and criticized for perceived biases in its coverage of topics like Brexit, climate change, and media regulation. With a circulation of around 300,000 daily copies as of recent years and a growing digital subscriber base exceeding 400,000, The Times continues to invest in multimedia platforms, including apps, podcasts, and video content, to reach a global audience while navigating challenges like declining print readership and digital competition. The Times has a rich history of influencing British society, from its role in the 19th-century push for parliamentary reform to modern-day reporting on government accountability. It has faced controversies, including the 2011 phone-hacking scandal involving its parent company, which led to legal settlements and public inquiries into press ethics. Despite these issues, The Times remains a vital source of information, employing hundreds of journalists and maintaining editorial independence within its corporate structure, committed to factual reporting and diverse viewpoints.