The Guardian Media Group (GMG) announced on Friday its decision to sell The Observer, the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper, to online news platform Tortoise Media, despite staff protests and strikes.
This announcement followed a 48-hour strike by over 500 journalists from The Guardian and The Observer opposing the sale.
In a statement, GMG and its owner, the Scott Trust, confirmed that the sale had been approved in principle. “The boards of the Guardian Media Group and the Scott Trust have agreed to sell The Observer to Tortoise Media,” the statement read. “The new ownership model will safeguard The Observer’s future, uphold its liberal values, and support high-quality journalism.”
Tortoise Media, a “slow news” outlet founded in 2019, had proposed the acquisition, pledging to invest over £25 million ($32 million) in The Observer’s editorial and commercial growth over the next five years.
Last month, unionized staff voted overwhelmingly—93 percent—in favor of strike action, accusing the Scott Trust of betraying the paper’s legacy.
Addressing the situation, Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media, said, “I understand how unsettling this has been for The Observer’s staff, but we are confident this is the best path forward.”
Under the ownership of Tortoise, led by former BBC News director James Harding, The Observer will continue its Sunday publication, supplemented by Tortoise’s podcasts and live events.
Dating back to 1791, The Observer boasts a 233-year history. Anna Bateson, GMG’s chief executive, expressed optimism about the transition, stating, “This investment will honor The Observer’s legacy and ensure its future.”
Once the deal is finalized, the Scott Trust will become a significant shareholder in Tortoise Media, further cementing its commitment to the platform, according to the statement.
