Informed NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE issue 49 Dec 2024 Guardian journalists on strike Mark Tomas


For the first time in over five decades, journalists at the Guardian & Observer went on strike over the proposed sale of Te Observer. Placards and pickets were prepped for walkouts from 4-5 December and 12-13 December, and the strikes were extremely well supported. Te NUJ stressed action could still be prevented with a pause to exclusive talks underway with Tortoise Media. However, shabbily, Te Scot Trust and GMG Boards chose to approve the deal in principle before the end of the first 48-hour walkout. Tis dispute, at its core, focuses on the sustainability of Te Observer’s independent public interest journalism. Te world’s oldest Sunday newspaper, first published in 1791, has a deeply- valued cultural heritage and risks being sold in a hurried process the NUJ has urged must be paused for all options to be properly considered. With Te Observer’s journalism read online by 10m people every weekend, it is no surprise journalists are unshakeable in their commitment to defence of the title. Solidarity has poured in from across the union and members of the NUJ Parliamentary Group lent their wholehearted support with visits to pickets. Reps sprang into action following news


of exclusive talks between the Guardian Media Group and start-up Tortoise Media founded by former BBC News director James Harding. Readers and journalists quickly discovered that all was not as it seemed when no clear or justifiable reason was offered by GMG about the absence of meaningful consultation with journalists or the union, while


Also in this issue:


Michelle’s Message Page 02


General secretary-elect Laura Davison speaking at the picket line


exclusive talks proceeded at pace. Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general


secretary, highlighted the union has many unanswered questions and said, “If there is a need for urgency on the sale of the Observer, there must be greater transparency and meaningful engagement with the very journalists who ensure its success.” Two main issues lie at the centre of journalists’ calls. Te first, transparency over why it is required at this stage without consultation and in the absence of an approach that allows for an open sale with other credible bidders. Te second, a plea to cease the exclusive talks underway to ensure what is best for Te Observer’s readership remains the focus. Tortoise Media have commited to implementing paywalls, raising alarm over media plurality and the public’s access to liberal, progressive media. Journalists are determined in their campaign and feel deeply disappointed


Big Tech’s Content Grab Page 08


in actions by the Scot Trust. Hugo Young, chair of the Trust from 1989- 2003 said in a Guardian front-page: “Te trust safeguards will be fully extended to the Observer, which will be edited independently of the Guardian and retain its separate character.” A motion passed in September by the NUJ Guardian & Observer group chapel noted the Trust chaired by Ole Jacob Sunde had failed to abide by these commitments made to the Observer. Despite the announcement of sale the NUJ remains commited to seeking a resolution that ensures the best interests of our members.


With 93% of journalists voting to


strike and an even higher percentage (96%) agreeing to action short of strike, GMG would do well to recognise the resolve of members in this dispute. Visit the campaign page nuj.org.uk/ savetheobserver and please donate to the NUJ’s Hardship Fund in solidarity.


Musk and the Media Page 10


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