United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 1821
Ownership
The Guardian is published by Guardian News & Media, a subsidiary of Guardian Media Group, which is wholly owned by The Scott Trust Limited. The Scott Trust (created in 1936, reorganised as a limited company in 2008) exists specifically to secure the financial and editorial independence of The Guardian 'in perpetuity' as a quality national newspaper 'without party affiliation.' There is no controlling shareholder, proprietor family or external investor; the Scott Trust board (chaired by Ole Jacob Sunde) appoints the editor-in-chief but does not direct editorial content.
Funding
The Guardian is funded by digital advertising, reader contributions and subscriptions/memberships, and by returns from the Scott Trust Endowment Fund (valued at roughly £1 billion), whose investment income is used to subsidise the journalism and offset operating losses. It runs no paywall, relying instead on voluntary reader support.
Affiliation & stance
The Guardian has a center-left, liberal editorial stance but no party or state ownership; its trust structure is explicitly designed to keep it free of proprietor or political control. It is classified INDEPENDENT because it is privately held by a self-perpetuating trust whose sole purpose is editorial and financial independence, with no party, state, church or oligarch in control.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 461
82/100
Factual
76/100
Objective
510
Articles
510
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
RSPCA NSW director quits over welfare standards for RSPCA-branded chicken
Mark Steele, the vice-president of RSPCA New South Wales, has resigned from the organization, expressing 'sincere shame' over the welfare standards for chickens bearing the RSPCA Certified label. Steele, who has been involved with the RSPCA since 2021 and previously served as a non-executive director of RSPCA Australia, claims that the certification standards for RSPCA-branded chicken are inadequate. He stated that these standards allow for conditions that do not meet basic animal welfare benchmarks, leading him to distance himself from the organization. His resignation highlights growing concerns about the effectiveness and integrity of the RSPCA's certification program in ensuring humane treatment of poultry.
Alan Jones corresponded with 13-year-old who asked for financial help, court hears
A radio host named Alan Jones is being investigated after it was revealed during a court hearing that he corresponded with a 13-year-old boy who had reached out to him for financial assistance. The teenager, referred to as complainant A, wrote to Jones expressing his struggles, including the loss of his father, the death of a family member, and financial difficulties faced by his single mother. During their correspondence, Jones praised the teenager and requested that certain conversations remain confidential. The court session, which was held in a closed courtroom, marks the beginning of evidence presented by complainant A. The case involves allegations of inappropriate communication between a public figure and a minor.
Judith Lucy announces breast cancer diagnosis: ‘I’m in shock, but I’m OK’
Comedian Judith Lucy announced her breast cancer diagnosis in a lighthearted video posted on Instagram. At 58 years old, she disclosed that she will undergo a double mastectomy and expressed confidence in her recovery. The post included a humorous tone, with Lucy joking about her condition while reassuring her audience of her well-being. The message was accompanied by a call for continued support from her followers.
Beau Lamarre-Condon trial shown CCTV of accused’s movements across Sydney after alleged double murder
Beau Lamarre-Condon, a former NSW police officer, has pleaded not guilty to the February 2024 murders of Jesse Baird, 26, and Luke Davies, 29. During the trial, jurors viewed CCTV footage showing his movements across Sydney throughout the night following the alleged killings. Lamarre-Condon claims the victims were killed in two distinct violent incidents, though the prosecution alleges a single crime. The case involves significant forensic evidence and witness testimony, with the court examining whether the defendant's actions align with his defense narrative.
Quebec poised to elect separatists to power for first time in more than a decade
Quebec is preparing for provincial elections where the Parti Québécois (PQ), a pro-independence party, is expected to win, marking the first time since over a decade that a separatist group could gain power in the French-speaking province. The PQ has pledged to hold a referendum on Quebec's independence from Canada by 2028 if elected. This development highlights the ongoing debate over Quebec's autonomy and potential separation from Canada. The election results would represent a significant shift in regional politics and could influence broader discussions on Canadian unity.
Greens Pass ‘Zionism Is Racism’ Motion at Party Conference
At their largest-ever conference in Brighton, UK Green Party members passed a motion declaring Zionism as racism, making them the first mainstream British political party to take such a stance. The motion, supported by 1,022 votes to 813, calls for backing a single, democratic Palestinian state, supporting Palestinian political prisoners, opposing the Palestine Action ban, and affirming Palestinians' right to resistance. An amendment aimed at protecting Jewish members affiliated with Zionist institutions was rejected. Proponents argue the motion distinguishes between Judaism and Zionism and does not affect internal party discipline. The decision sparked controversy, with pro-Israel demonstrators protesting outside the conference, accusing the Greens of promoting racism. Internal divisions were evident, with senior figures like co-deputy leader Mothin Ali supporting the motion while former leader Caroline Lucas opposed it. Green Party policy has previously described Israeli actions as apartheid and genocide, and supports a full arms embargo and an end to occupation.
Australian soldier killed and five others injured in training exercise in the Northern Territory
An Australian soldier died and five others were injured during a training exercise at the Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory on 5 October 2026. The Department of Defence confirmed the incident but did not disclose the cause of death or the nature of the accident. The Northern Territory's chief minister, Lia Finocchiaro, stated that two individuals were evacuated by helicopter and three by plane following the incident. Police have been assisting with the investigation, though they have not provided additional details. This follows previous incidents involving Australian Defence Force personnel, including the deaths of Jack Fitzgibbon in 2024 and Lachlan Muddle in March 2026.
Oil from South Korea being shipped to Russia as Ukraine war grinds on
Oil shipments from South Korea to Russia have been identified using port records and ship-tracking data, revealing that over 176,000 tonnes of fuel, primarily diesel, was loaded onto seven tankers between July and August. Three of these tankers were under UK and EU sanctions, and one used a ship-to-ship transfer in South Korean waters to obscure the origin of the cargo. This activity has raised concerns among analysts, suggesting it could undermine international sanctions and South Korea's stated support for Ukraine. While South Korea has provided humanitarian aid and non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine, it has avoided direct weapon exports and has maintained diplomatic engagement with Russia. The shipments do not violate South Korean law, as its restrictions focus on industrial goods rather than fuel. However, this situation risks portraying South Korea as a weaker link in Western efforts to isolate Russia, especially amid tensions with Ukraine over the transfer of North Korean prisoners.
Coalition set to unveil dramatically deeper cuts to overseas migration as it fends off One Nation’s rise
The Australian Coalition is preparing to announce significant reductions in net overseas migration (Nom), aiming to curb immigration levels while maintaining working holidaymaker quotas and prioritizing skilled workers. This move is intended to counter rising support for the One Nation party, which advocates for even stricter limits, such as capping annual arrivals at 130,000. According to reports, the Coalition plans to initially lower migration to around 100,000 in the first year post-election, then gradually increase it to between 130,000 and 225,000. Opposition figures, including Labor’s Matt Keogh, have criticized these cuts as potentially harmful to economic growth and essential services. Meanwhile, One Nation has proposed reducing temporary migrant numbers by over 750,000 over three years, focusing on international students and family members of skilled migrants. The debate highlights tensions within the conservative bloc over immigration policy, with some Nationals warning that Labor’s proposals could negatively affect regional industries.
Far right on the march and Lula’s failures: key drivers of Flávio Bolsonaro’s Brazil surge
In Brazil, Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, achieved a surprising first-round victory in the presidential election, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape. This outcome has been attributed to several factors, including the influence of the growing evangelical Christian community, which has become a crucial voting bloc for the Bolsonaro family. Additionally, rising urban violence has led many voters to support far-right candidates who promise tough-on-crime policies, such as increasing police power and lowering the age of criminal responsibility. Analysts note that these strategies mirror those used by other leaders like El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, whose harsh measures against crime have inspired some Bolsonarista politicians.
Russian lab worker dies of suspected plague. This is what you should know
A Russian laboratory technician named Darya Shipilova, who worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute, has died from suspected pneumonic plague, leading to quarantine measures for those in contact with her. Authorities in Irkutsk and surrounding areas have taken precautions, including mask-wearing and limiting travel, due to concerns over potential transmission. Experts note that while pneumonic plague can spread between humans via respiratory droplets, modern medical treatments such as antibiotics make containment feasible. The incident has raised questions about whether the infection originated from a lab accident, though scientists emphasize that laboratories typically follow strict safety protocols. There is currently no evidence suggesting the bacteria involved is a mutated or engineered strain.
Norway plans temporary ban on smart glasses in some public places
Norway is considering a temporary ban on smart glasses in certain public areas like parks, museums, and schools due to concerns over unauthorized recording. The move follows similar restrictions in the UK, US, and France, where privacy issues and incidents of individuals being filmed without consent have been reported. Torgeir Micaelsen, Norway’s Minister of Digital Affairs, expressed worries about new technology enabling covert surveillance. While private use remains permitted, the proposal requires cross-party support in Norway’s minority government. Meanwhile, Meta, the manufacturer of these glasses, highlights built-in indicators to alert users when recording occurs.
Flávio Bolsonaro poised to win Brazilian presidency after shock first-round victory
Flávio Bolsonaro, a far-right candidate, has secured a surprising first-round victory in Brazil's presidential election, receiving 45.16% of the vote compared to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's 47.03%. This result has left progressive voters and Lula's supporters stunned, as Bolsonaro's lead of nearly two million votes marks a significant shift in Brazilian politics. With the election heading into a runoff on 25 October, Lula faces a daunting challenge to overcome this early deficit. Bolsonaro's victory signals a strong resurgence of far-right influence in Brazil, raising concerns about the future direction of the country's political landscape.