Hello dear friend,

I have myself trusted in and counted on Observer and Guardian reporting for decades. It therefore saddens me to have to highlight false information placed within The Guardian from the very top of the organisation's structure, thereby besmirching the good name.

Two recent articles have made false representations and promoted untruth:

Guardian: Sale of Observer to Tortoise Media agreed in principle

Guardian: Ole Jacob Sunde wants what's best for The Observer

To come to your own conclusions, you may seek alternative sources of information. I will offer this as an example from a publication which has reported on the matter throughout the last couple of weeks. This includes an eye-opening account of a major internal 'heated' meeting which has since been verified by many who were in attendance:

Press Gazette:Scott Trust & Guardian management face staff fury over Observer sale

The Scott Trust Ltd has indeed agreed to sell The Observer in principle, a move widely criticised by many, and for many reasons. The Chairman of the board, Ole Jacob Sunde, and author of the 'opinion' piece in the second link above is, of course, entitled to his opinion.

Now is the final moment of truth. Those who you know were intending to sign the petition, but have not got round to it, there is little time left to do so while it might still make a difference.

Observer and Guardian employees, along with the support of many, intend to continue with strike action on Thursday and Friday next week. Details of that will follow in another update to you in a couple of days.

Thank you for what you have already done in support

Steve Basnett