Home World Live International Crisis Agreement reached for the sale of the Observer, UK’s oldest Sunday newspaper and a stronghold of liberal principles.

Agreement reached for the sale of the Observer, UK’s oldest Sunday newspaper and a stronghold of liberal principles.

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LONDON — The sale of the Observer, recognized as the oldest Sunday newspaper globally and a symbol of progressive journalism in Britain’s media, received approval on Friday despite a two-day strike by its journalists that took place earlier this week.

The Scott Trust, which oversees the Guardian Media Group—home to both the Observer and the Guardian—has announced that the sale to Tortoise Media is anticipated to be finalized shortly.

Furthermore, the Scott Trust intends to invest in Tortoise Media, securing a substantial share in the company, and will appoint representatives to both its editorial and commercial boards.

As part of the agreement, Tortoise Media will inject £25 million (approximately $32 million) into the Observer, pledging to maintain the Sunday print edition and enhance its digital presence.

Additionally, Tortoise has made a commitment to uphold journalistic freedom and protect the editorial independence of the Observer, vowing to respect the “liberal values and journalistic standards” established by the Scott Trust in its editorial policy.

Founded in 2019 by James Harding, a former editor at the London Times and ex-BBC director of news, along with Matthew Barzun, who previously served as the U.S. ambassador to the UK, Tortoise Media aims to champion responsible journalism.

Harding affirmed that the Observer embodies “the best of liberal, pioneering journalism”, assuring readers that they will strive to honor its legacy as a champion of human dignity while revitalizing it as a significant, forward-thinking voice on global issues.

Ole Jacob Sunde, chair of the Scott Trust, emphasized that the Observer required a long-term ally that would provide adequate funding while preserving editorial independence and liberal principles.

However, journalists from both the Guardian, which issues print editions from Monday to Saturday and has a substantial digital presence, and the Observer protested the sale, taking part in a 48-hour strike on Wednesday and Thursday. Although the Guardian is the larger entity, the two publications have shared a close relationship, operating from the same London facility and collaborating on various resources.

“I understand how unsettling this transition has been for Observer staff, but we believe we have identified the best possible path forward for the journalists, readers, and future of both the Observer and the Guardian,” stated Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media.

Later on Friday, members of the National Union of Journalists representing both newspapers will convene to discuss their next steps, according to Laura Davison, the general secretary-elect.

“The timing of this decision, occurring just before the conclusion of two strongly supported days of action, is particularly disappointing,” she remarked.

The Observer was established in 1791 and became part of the Guardian Media Group in 1993.