Journalists at the Guardian and Observer newspapers have voted overwhelmingly to strike for 48 hours in protest against the planned sale of the Observer to Tortoise Media. The strike, scheduled for Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th December, marks the first industrial action of its kind at the publications in decades and represents a significant escalation in the dispute.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) members passed a motion condemning the sale, viewing it as a "betrayal" of the Scott Trust's commitment to the Observer. The Scott Trust, the ultimate owner of Guardian Media Group (GMG), holds a charitable mandate to uphold the journalistic principles of the Guardian and its associated titles. The union argues that selling the Observer undermines this commitment and risks damaging a crucial voice within the UK and international liberal media landscape.
News of Tortoise Media's bid for the Observer emerged in September. Tortoise, led by former Times editor and BBC News director James Harding, has stated its intention to maintain the Observer's Sunday publication schedule and expand its digital presence, integrating it with its existing podcasts, newsletters, and live events. However, this reassurance has failed to alleviate the concerns of the NUJ, who perceive the sale as a threat to the Observer's editorial independence and long-term viability.
A ballot of eligible NUJ members saw a 75% turnout, with a resounding 93% voting in favour of strike action. This decisive result underscores the depth of feeling among the journalists regarding the planned sale. In response to the ballot result, a Guardian spokesperson acknowledged the strength of feeling amongst the staff and reiterated the companyâs commitment to ensuring the continued success of both the Guardian and the Observer within the challenging media market. They maintained that, while respecting the right to strike, they believed it was not the most effective course of action and that discussions with the NUJ were ongoing. The spokesperson emphasized their commitment to serving readers and supporting staff to enable continued promotion of liberal journalism.
Despite the Guardian's position, the NUJ motion forcefully rejected the sale, claiming it would jeopardise a vital component of the UK and international liberal media landscape. The union believes the Scott Trust should be protecting the Observer, not facilitating its disposal.
Tortoise Media, in response to the strike announcement, defended its acquisition, asserting that it is preventing the Observer's descent into irrelevance. This statement further fuels the tension between the acquiring company and the protesting journalists. The potential for further strike action remains, highlighting the significant disagreement over the future of the Observer and the role of the Scott Trust in preserving its legacy. The outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly shape the future of the Observer and its place within the media landscape.