Historically, the Advertiser took a centrist to centre-left editorial line on most issues, but since its takeover by News Corporation in 1990, the editorial line has become far more sensationalist and conservative, much like the former "The News".

As Adelaide now lacks a centre-left broadsheet, the Fairfax newspapers, the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have become popular, despite being published and aimed at an audience in Sydney and Melbourne respecively.