Tortoise Media digital journalism and podcasts

Tortoise Media is a British news organization founded in 2018 with a unique 'slow news' philosophy, focusing on narrative investigations and data-driven journalism rather than the rapid, breaking-news cycle. Headquartered in London, the platform delivers content through digital newsletters, high-production investigative podcasts, and community-led events known as 'ThinkIns.' The brand has gained significant recognition for its award-winning podcasts like Sweet Bobby and The Slow Newscast.

In late 2024, Tortoise Media made headlines by entering exclusive negotiations to acquire The Observer, the world's oldest Sunday newspaper, from the Guardian Media Group. This move is backed by significant funding intended to revitalize the historic publication for a digital-first audience while maintaining its editorial independence. The manufacturing or production of their content takes place primarily in the United Kingdom, utilizing a diverse team of experienced journalists from high-profile legacy media outlets.

The company is owned by its founders and a consortium of investors who sign onto the principle of editorial independence. Its funding is sourced from a variety of stakeholders including Standard Investments and philanthropic foundations. This structure ensures that while the organization grows through private capital, its journalistic integrity is overseen by an independent editorial board.