The Guardian: Who Owns It, How It Works, and Why It Stands Out

When you read The Guardian, a major British daily newspaper known for its investigative reporting and progressive stance. Also known as Guardian Newspapers, it's one of the few major news organizations in the world that doesn't answer to investors or billionaires. Unlike most papers, it doesn’t chase clicks to please advertisers. Instead, it’s owned by the Scott Trust, a nonprofit established in 1936 to protect The Guardian’s editorial independence. Every pound of profit goes back into journalism—not into someone’s bank account. That’s why reader donations and subscriptions now make up 64% of its income. It’s not perfect, but it’s one of the last standing models that puts truth ahead of profit.

That structure sets The Guardian apart from outlets like the Daily Mail, a right-leaning UK paper known for sensational headlines and strong political bias, or even the BBC, which is funded by a mandatory TV license. The Guardian doesn’t have a government backer. It doesn’t rely on corporate ads. Its survival depends on you—the reader. That’s why its reporting often dives deep into issues others avoid: housing inequality, climate policy, and the real cost of living in London. You’ll find stories here that challenge power, not flatter it.

It’s not just about politics. The Guardian covers culture, science, sports, and even celebrity news—but with a different tone. No gossip mills. No manufactured outrage. Just reporting that asks: Who’s affected? Who’s responsible? And what can be done? That’s why you’ll see pieces here about the UK cost of living crisis, the struggle millions face as wages stall and rent soars, or how the NHS, the UK’s public healthcare system, compares to the U.S. system. These aren’t random topics. They’re connected. The same values that drive its political coverage—transparency, fairness, accountability—show up in its health reporting, its climate analysis, and even its obituaries.

And it’s not just a UK paper. Its global coverage—on Ukraine, Gaza, or the rise of AI in politics—has earned it readers from Tokyo to Toronto. You won’t find it pushing conspiracy theories or amplifying rage. It’s not always right, but it’s usually trying. That’s why, when you see a headline from The Guardian, you know it’s not there just to get you angry. It’s there because someone thought it mattered.

Below, you’ll find a collection of posts that dig into what makes The Guardian different—from its ownership model to how it stacks up against other news sources. You’ll see how it handles breaking news, why readers trust it, and how its funding keeps it free from corporate pressure. Whether you’re a longtime reader or just curious, these stories will show you why this paper still matters.