What Is The Observer's Bias? Political Leaning, Credibility, and Trust Score
The Observer Overview and Political Bias
The Observer is characterized as center-left and socially liberal. It is often described as promoting progressive viewpoints on climate change and human rights. Critics sometimes argue its coverage reflects an elite, pro-European bias. Its controversial support for the 2003 Iraq War remains a significant point of historical debate among readers.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Left |
| Estimated number of readers | 136,000 |
| Israel support | Often critical of the Israeli government; frequently aligns with pro-Palestinian humanitarian perspectives. |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Elite / Intellectual / Progressive |
The Observer History
Established in 1791 by W.S. Bourne, The Observer is the world's oldest Sunday newspaper. Over two centuries, it developed a reputation for intellectual depth and long-form reporting. It was acquired by the Guardian Media Group in 1993, formally aligning it with its daily sister publication, The Guardian.
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Who owns The Observer?
The paper is owned by Guardian Media Group, which is governed by the Scott Trust Limited. This unique ownership structure is designed to protect editorial independence in perpetuity. Funding primarily comes from advertising, print sales, and a reader-contribution model, rather than being beholden to external corporate shareholders.