Guardian Confirms Sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media

Published On Dec 6, 2024, 8:44 AM

The Guardian Media Group has agreed to sell The Observer, the UK's oldest Sunday newspaper, to media startup Tortoise Media, following a 48-hour strike by journalists protesting the deal. While the financial details of the sale were not disclosed, the Scott Trust, which owns the Guardian Media Group, will invest in Tortoise Media and have a significant stake in the company, along with representation on editorial boards. Concerns have been raised about Tortoise Media's ability to sustain The Observer, as it has yet to turn a profit since its launch six years ago.

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However, the skepticism around Tortoise Media's ability to effectively manage The Observer may lead to volatility in related media stocks, which could suffer from the negativity surrounding a struggling print outlet being handed over to a startup with financial instability.

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