Guardian Faces Staff Strike Over Proposed Observer Sale to Tortoise Media

Journalists protest the sale of the world's oldest Sunday newspaper, citing fears over its financial future and lack of transparency in negotiations.

The Guardian and Observer journalists have staged a 48-hour strike, the first in 50 years, opposing the planned sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media.
Critics argue that Tortoise Media, a loss-making start-up, lacks the financial stability to secure The Observer's future as an independent publication.
Staff claim the sale process was conducted in secrecy, with no consultation or alternative bids considered, fueling accusations of betrayal by Guardian leadership.
Former Observer editors and the National Union of Journalists have called on the Scott Trust to pause the sale, warning it could threaten the paper's existence.
Guardian Media Group defends the decision as necessary to address financial challenges, while staff describe a toxic atmosphere with allegations of intimidation and silencing dissent.