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The Guardian

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The Guardian is a major daily newspaper based in the United Kingdom. It is officially considered a newspaper of record in the UK. This means it is viewed as a highly important and reliable source of information.

The Guardian 2018
The Guardian 2018

The publication is known for its mainstream left political perspective. It operates both as a printed paper and a massive digital news platform. Today, its news reaches more than 23 million adults in the UK every single month. While its print circulation has declined, its digital presence is very large.

The Guardian 6. 6. 14
The Guardian 6. 6. 14

The newspaper operates through a unique ownership structure designed to protect its mission. It is owned by the Scott Trust Limited, which is part of the Guardian Media Group. This trust was originally created in 1936. Its goal was to secure the financial and editorial independence of the paper forever. The trust aims to safeguard journalistic freedom and liberal values. It ensures the paper remains free from political or commercial interference.

The Guardian Building Window in London
The Guardian Building Window in London

In 2008, the trust became a limited company. This change was made to maintain the same protections for the paper. Unlike most companies, profits are not given to shareholders. Instead, all profits are reinvested directly into the journalism.

GuardianNewsroom
GuardianNewsroom

The history of the paper began in Manchester in 1821. It was founded by a cotton merchant named John Edward Taylor. He received support from a group of businessmen known as the Little Circle. The first issue launched on May 5, 1821. This was the same day Napoleon died.

The Manchester Guardian, May 5 1821
The Manchester Guardian, May 5 1821

Originally, the publication was named The Manchester Guardian. It later merged with the British Volunteer in 1825. In 1959, the paper changed its name to The Guardian and moved to London. A long period of growth occurred under C. P. Scott. He served as editor for 57 years starting in 1872.

Charles Prestwich Scott in 1919 (3x4 cropped)
Charles Prestwich Scott in 1919 (3x4 cropped)

He eventually bought the paper in 1907.

During the 19th century, the paper dealt with complex global issues. It held strong views on slavery and free trade. The paper welcomed the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. However, it also had conflicted views during the American Civil War. The Manchester Guardian expressed doubts about the Union's motives. It even criticized President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Square, Manchester
Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Square, Manchester

The paper argued that the North was imposing a trade monopoly. It believed that free trade might eventually lead to the end of slavery. These views reflected the complicated political tensions of that era.

The paper has gained fame through several massive investigative "scoops." In 2011, it reported on the News International phone-hacking scandal. This investigation involved the hacking of Milly Dowler's phone. This news led to the closure of the News of the World. In 2013, the paper broke news about the Obama administration's secret collection of Verizon telephone records. It also revealed the PRISM surveillance program. This information was provided by whistleblower Edward Snowden.

Canciller Ricardo Patiño ofrece entrevista al diario “The Guardian”
Canciller Ricardo Patiño ofrece entrevista al diario “The Guardian”

In 2016, it led an investigation into the Panama Papers. This exposed links between Prime Minister David Cameron and offshore bank accounts.

Trust and readership are key measures of the paper's success. In a 2018 Ipsos MORI poll, The Guardian scored highest for digital-content news. About 84% of readers said they trust what they see in it. Another report found its print edition was the most trusted in the UK from 2017 to 2018. It is often ranked alongside other "quality newsbrands" like The Times and The Daily Telegraph.

The Guardian Foundation - Senate House History Day 2019
The Guardian Foundation - Senate House History Day 2019

In July 2021, its daily print circulation was 105,134. The paper has been named "newspaper of the year" four times. Its most recent win was in 2023.

Today, The Guardian is a truly global media entity. It offers many different editions for various regions. These include the UK, US, Australian, and European editions. Its website covers many specific areas of interest. These include World news, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It also has sections for Global development and Inequality. This wide reach allows it to connect with many different cultures and political systems around the world.

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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:The Guardian 2018.svg
The Guardian 2018.svg
File:The Manchester Guardian, May 5 1821.jpg
The Manchester Guardian, May 5 1821.jpg
File:Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Square, Manchester.jpg
Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Square, Manchester.jpg
File:Charles Prestwich Scott in 1919 (3x4 cropped).jpg
Charles Prestwich Scott in 1919 (3x4 cropped).jpg
File:Canciller Ricardo Patiño ofrece entrevista al diario “The Guardian”.jpg
Canciller Ricardo Patiño ofrece...
File:The Guardian Building Window in London.JPG
The Guardian Building Window in London.JPG
File:The Guardian Foundation - Senate House History Day 2019.jpg
The Guardian Foundation - Senate House...
File:GuardianNewsroom.jpg
GuardianNewsroom.jpg
File:The Guardian 6. 6. 14.jpg
The Guardian 6. 6. 14.jpg
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