Observer appoints Lucy Rock as editor as Tortoise Media sale confirmed
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Title’s first female editor in more than a century will work alongside a digital editor, as Observer builds online brand. Lucy Rock has been appointed as the first female editor of the Observer in more than a century as part of an announcement that confirmed the sale of the title to Tortoise Media.
The Scott Trust, the ultimate owner of the Guardian, also confirmed it would join new and existing investors by committing £5m into Tortoise Media as part of an overall £25m investment in the Observer. Rock has been appointed editor (print) of the Observer. She will work alongside a digital editor, as the Observer builds its own online brand, and will report to James Harding, who will be editor-in-chief.
She said it was a “huge privilege to be entrusted with the editorship of the Observer newspaper and to lead its first-class team of reporters, commentators, critics and editors into a new era”. The Scott Trust said Tortoise Media was purchasing the Observer through a combination of cash and shares.
Last week, NUJ journalists at the Guardian and Observer staged the second of two 48-hour strikes in protest against the sale, after a ballot for industrial action that showed 93% support among the 75% of members who cast a vote. “The National Union of Journalists and its members at the Guardian and Observer believe the plans are disastrous for the Observer, will damage the reputation of the Guardian and will seriously impact the working conditions for staff on both titles,” said the NUJ last week.
