The Observer has launched a brand-new digital subscription, bringing together its journalism across culture, society, life and food in a brand new website and app, in addition to the Sunday newspaper in print.
“From today, for the first time in its 233-year history, you can buy The Observer any day of the week. You can subscribe daily online and, of course, still buy the paper every Sunday,” said Editor, James Harding yesterday.
“George Orwell, who wrote for the paper, called it “the enemy of nonsense”. These days, we feel it’s more needed than ever. And I hope you’ll also love what I do about The Observer – that it offers the best writing on the arts and ideas, food and drink. That it’s an invitation to make the most of your time.”
The publisher says the new subscription takes the best of The Observer in print and adds exclusive digital content – including puzzles and premium newsletters – to bring our journalism to audiences seven days a week.
“Launching The Observer’s first dedicated website and app is a major moment in the history of the paper,” said Richard Furness, co-CEO. “Our excellent journalism now has a digital home that does it justice, alongside a new subscription offering that strengthens The Observer’s long-term future. It’s an exciting development for our readers, and for advertisers looking for trusted, high-quality environments.”
According to the Observer, a subscription includes:
- A daily digital edition, curated by editors, seven days a week
- The Observer app, home to all its journalism – a place to read, watch, listen and play
- Puzzles and games, including cryptics from the inventors of the cryptic crossword
- Recipes - including Nigel Slater’s kitchen diaries, and a new ‘Cravings’ section featuring writing on wine, cocktails and food
- Access to Observer events, newsroom gatherings and member perks
- Exclusive 70% discount on a six-month MUBI subscription, with more subscriber benefits rolling out throughout the year
The new website and the Observer app are designed to be a place for reading, playing games, listening to podcasts, and watching video. The daily edition is curated by editors to provide clarity over noise, offering readers exactly what they need each day, across news, culture, books and life.
New personalisation tools will launch over the coming months, the publisher continued, enabling subscribers to follow topics, save ongoing investigations and build a tailored reading experience.
“For more than two centuries, The Observer has helped people make sense of the world,” said Jack Riley, chief customer officer. “Today we’re doing that in an entirely new way with our new site, the Observer’s first ever iOS and Android apps, and our first ever digital subscription. To transform the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper into a fully seven-day digital platform is no small feat, and we’re only at the beginning.”
This launch is the first major milestone since The Observer and Tortoise joined forces in a single newsroom in April, and the publisher says it reflects its mission to serve a community of readers who value rigorous reporting, smart ideas and the culture that makes life worth living.
Digital subscriptions are priced at £16 per month or £144 per year, with a 50% discount for readers under 35. All plans include a £1 one-month paid trial for new subscribers.
Combined digital & print subscriptions will also be available, including a Home Delivery option within the M25.
Further updates and enhancements to both app and website are rolling out over the coming weeks as The Observer continues to evolve its digital offering.
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