When was The Observer newspaper first published?
The Observer was first published on the 4th of December 1791. It was founded by W. S. Bourne and is the world's oldest Sunday newspaper.
Questions about The Observer
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who owns The Observer newspaper now?
Tortoise Media acquired The Observer from the Scott Trust Limited, with the sale closing on the 18th of December 2024. The formal transition took place on the 22nd of April 2025, and James Harding serves as editor-in-chief.
How long was The Observer part of the Guardian Media Group?
The Observer was part of the Guardian Media Group from June 1993 until December 2024, a period of more than 30 years. During that time it operated as a sister paper to The Guardian and The Guardian Weekly.
What happened to Observer journalist Farzad Bazoft?
Farzad Bazoft, a journalist for The Observer, was executed in Iraq in 1990 on charges of spying. In 2003, the Iraqi colonel who had arrested and interrogated him stated he was personally convinced that Bazoft was not a spy.
What awards has The Observer newspaper won?
The Observer was named National Newspaper of the Year at the British Press Awards for 2006 and 2007. Its supplements won Regular Supplement of the Year three times, and Observer Tech Monthly won the Grand Prix at the 2014 Newspaper Awards.
Who was Rachel Beer and what was her role at The Observer?
Rachel Beer, of the Sassoon family, became editor of The Observer in 1891 following the ownership of her husband Frederick Beer. In 1893 she combined the role with the editorship of The Sunday Times, a newspaper she had also purchased, running both simultaneously for thirteen years.