Journalists strike against proposed sale of observer newspaper

In the United Kingdom, the sale of the Observer, the world's oldest Sunday newspaper, to Tortoise Media was approved by the Scott Trust despite significant opposition from journalists. This decision came on December 5, 2024, following two days of a strike by nearly 500 journalists at both the Guardian and the Observer, which was the first of its kind in over 50 years. The National Union of Journalists expressed that the decision was seen as a betrayal of the Trust's commitment to safeguarding the Observer's values and legacy. The tension surrounding the sale had been mounting for months, with reports indicating that the Observer was facing financial difficulties. Journalists argued that the newspaper's values could be compromised under new ownership and that the plans proposed by Tortoise Media were not aligned with the paper's continuous history of courageous reporting and liberal journalism. Concerns were raised about maintaining the Observer's critical role in providing in-depth international coverage and the potential impacts of a non-traditional media organization taking over a storied publication. Ole Jacob Sunde, chair of the Scott Trust, emphasized that this sale was a necessary step to secure long-term funding and to ensure editorial independence would be respected under Tortoise's management. Investors were told that Tortoise will commit £25 million to enhance the Observer's digital offerings and safeguard its reputation. Despite assurances regarding job security, many staff members remain skeptical about the implications of such a merger. Cultural figures and past editors voiced their discontent with the decision, urging the Scott Trust to reconsider its approach prior to executing the sale conclusively. As the situation unfolds, journalists and readers express deep concern regarding the future of a beloved publication that has played a significant role in shaping UK journalism for over two centuries. The strike showcased a united front among journalists emphasizing the importance of continuing to uphold liberal values in journalism even in face of significant industry changes.