Ignore the old men, Observer hacks told

Rats in a Sack hears how during one of the recent charm offensive meetings held by editor-in-chief Kath Viner for worried journalists at the Guardian’s King’s Place HQ she was asked the following pointed question: “What is she seeing in the Tortoise deal to take over the Observer that six former editors, including her predecessor, Alan Rusbridger are missing?”

The question was in reference to an open letter to the all-powerful holder of Guardian purse strings the Scott Trust from previous editorial bosses decrying the rush to sell the Observer to James Harding’s plucky, if loss-making, start-up Tortoise Media. Kath Viner’s answer, according to someone present, suggested the staff should not pay much attention to them as they were “all old men”.

Let’s hope the chair of the Scott Trust, Ole Jacob Sunde, doesn’t get to hear about it. He turns 71 in January, the same age as the venerable Rusbridger.

Meanwhile, as reported in Rats passim, the Scott Trust remains to be convinced on the merits of the Tortoise deal and is expected to meet again soon to make a final decision. Three-quarters of the 12-strong Board must be in favour.

Their deliberations will be coloured by the vehemence of feeling against the deal by Guardian and Observer journalists who are embarking on a two day strike this Wednesday.