Guardian Staff Strike Over Observer Sale to Tortoise Media

Journalists protest the planned sale of the 233-year-old newspaper, citing concerns over job security, editorial independence, and the buyer’s financial stability.

The Scott Trust, owner of Guardian Media Group, is negotiating the sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media, a loss-making digital start-up, but would retain a stake in the title or its buyer.
Guardian and Observer journalists are staging a 48-hour strike, the first in decades, with 93% voting in favor of the action to oppose the sale.
Guardian management has offered voluntary redundancy, extended freelance contracts, and access to internal Guardian job openings to Observer staff unwilling to transfer to Tortoise Media.
Concerns have been raised about Tortoise Media’s financial stability, with its recent £4.5m loss, and whether its promised £25m investment over five years will safeguard The Observer’s future.
Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner and CEO Anna Bateson face mounting criticism from staff and former Observer editors, with some calling for a pause or reconsideration of the sale.