Journalists from the iconic British publications, The Guardian and its sister paper, The Observer, have embarked on a historic 48-hour strike, marking the first such strike at The Guardian in over half a century. The protest, which began on December 4, 2024, arises from deep-seated concerns over the proposed sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media, a relatively new digital outlet.
The Observer, the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper, first published back in 1791, has been under scrutiny as the Scott Trust, which owns both publications, seems to be leaning toward divesting its Sunday title. Leading figures within the organization—including nearly 500 journalists—voted overwhelmingly to strike, reflecting the intense feelings surrounding the potential sale.
At the heart of the matter is the assertion by many staffers and union representatives of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) who argue the sale would act as “a betrayal” of the commitments made by the Scott Trust to protect The Observer’s legacy. Longtime editorial staff and influential voices, like investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr, voiced their skepticism, highlighting how selling to Tortoise could signal “the death of this historic brand.”
Under the leadership of James Harding, who previously held significant roles at The Times and BBC News, Tortoise Media has garnered attention for its commitment to constructing narratives rather than simply reporting headlines. The company has not yet achieved profitability, leading critics to question its ability to sustain such a storied publication as The Observer.
Despite Tortoise's pledged investment of around £25 million to rejuvenate The Observer through “editorial and commercial renewal,” journalists remain skeptical. A recent leaflet distributed during the strike asserted they oppose not only the sale itself but the strategy behind it, emphasizing concerns about the future of liberal journalism. “We believe it puts both Observer and Guardian journalism at risk,” noted Sonia Sodha, who writes for The Observer.
The historical relevance of The Observer cannot be overstated; it played pivotal roles not just as a news outlet, but also as the launching pad for significant social movements, including Human Rights activism via Amnesty International. Critics of the sale highlight these aspects, reflecting fears about its potential transformation under Tortoise’s ownership.
While journalists picketed outside the Guardian’s headquarters, some notable public figures, including actor Hugh Grant and director Bill Nighy, have publicly expressed their solidarity with the strikers by signing open letters urging the Scott Trust to reconsider.
The Scott Trust's stated aim through this transition includes retaining part ownership of The Observer to prioritize editorial independence and liberal journalism. Ole Jacob Sunde, chair of the trust, reassured staff through internal communications indicating the goal is to secure the best outcomes for both titles and their audience.
Guardian spokespersons acknowledged the strong feelings expressed by the strike participants, stating, "While we respect the right to strike, we do not believe it is the best course of action at this time.” They also mentioned plans are being implemented to minimize disruption during the strike, emphasizing their commitment to continuing news production.
The strike coincides with The Observer marking 233 years since its inception, adding to the emotional significance of the decision. Striking journalists are pressing for the Scott Trust to slow down the sale negotiations and seriously explore all available options before finalizing any deal.
Voices throughout the media industry have echoed the sentiments of the strikers; journalism experts, former editors, and readers alike have emphasized the fragile state of liberal journalism today and what the loss of The Observer could mean not just for the Guardian group but for media diversity as a whole. Such stakes resonate with many who see the impending sale not merely as business but as a pivotal moment for the evolution of journalism.
Within this milieu, the growing chorus among journalists at The Guardian and The Observer showcases the resilient spirit still present within the fourth estate, pushing back against what they perceive as corporate pragmatism threatening to overshadow fundamental journalistic values. The actions taken now might just be part of the larger narrative crafted around the quest for defining the role of journalism moving forward, as these papers continue to grapple with their future.