The Jewish Chronicle, the oldest and most influential Jewish newspaper in Britain, is shrouded in mystery regarding its ownership after being rescued from liquidation by an unknown consortium led by Sir Robbie Gibb, a former spin doctor for Theresa May and now a BBC director. Despite Gibb’s claims of ownership, he lacks the financial means, suggesting he is a frontman for undisclosed backers. This secrecy raises significant concerns about media influence, especially given the paper’s recent controversial stance on Israel. Speculation points to right-wing American billionaire Paul E. Singer, but no confirmations have been made. The situation underscores the need for transparency in media ownership, as anonymous control could undermine democratic principles.
MPs, peers, and journalists in the UK have been buzzing about who should be allowed to own a newspaper. The Telegraph, for now, seems safe from controversial ownership. But what happens when we don’t know who truly owns a newspaper? This isn’t just a hypothetical situation.
Take the Jewish Chronicle, for example. This is the world’s oldest continuously published Jewish newspaper and the most influential paper for the Jewish community in Britain. Founded in 1841, its owners were always known to the public. But that changed four years ago when a mysterious group saved it from going under. Alan Jacobs, the former chair, called this rescue “a shameful attempt to hijack” the paper.
This group was led by Sir Robbie Gibb, Theresa May’s former spin doctor and now a government-appointed BBC director. Gibb’s official filings say he owns 100% of Jewish Chronicle Media, and he’s the only named person in company documents. However, Gibb doesn’t seem to have the kind of money needed to save the paper. The latest accounts show that someone loaned the company £3.5 million, which has now been written off. Essentially, Gibb seems to be a frontman. But for whom?
Gibb won’t reveal who the real backers are. I asked the paper’s editor, Jake Wallis Simons, but he said, “The questions you ask aren’t really for me.” No one in the Jewish community seems to know either. Imagine if a foreign backer secretly bought a major UK newspaper like the Telegraph—there would be a huge outcry.
One of the consortium members regretted getting involved, calling the setup “incredibly opaque.” Three sources believe that the money came from Paul E. Singer, a right-wing American billionaire known as a “vulture capitalist.” Singer supports pro-Israel causes and has funded conservative think tanks.
If Singer is behind the Jewish Chronicle, it would be big news, especially if it influenced the paper’s stance. But a spokesperson for Singer’s hedge fund denies any involvement. Another possible backer mentioned is Davis Lewin, associated with various right-wing groups. But his involvement is also unconfirmed.
Why the secrecy? The Leveson Inquiry in 2011-12 tried to uncover how media owners influence news but didn’t get far. In March, the Jewish Chronicle announced it was becoming a charitable trust but gave no details on its structure or editorial control. Some doubt its charity claim, especially given its strong stance during the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The consortium member I spoke with said the paper’s recent coverage of Israel seems biased, suggesting it does a disservice to the Jewish community by appearing complicit with the Israeli Defense Forces’ actions.
The editor, Wallis Simons, is also known for his outspoken social media behavior, which some say makes him more of a political activist than a journalist. This is awkward for Gibb, who, as a BBC director, is supposed to uphold impartiality.
Gibb has ignored questions about his role and the paper’s funding. This raises concerns about a conflict of interest, especially since he sits on a key BBC committee overseeing editorial standards, including the BBC’s controversial coverage of the Gaza conflict.
How can Gibb manage his role at the BBC while backing a paper that criticizes the BBC’s coverage? Does he control the Jewish Chronicle’s editorial direction, or is it the secret funders who pull the strings? These questions highlight the importance of transparency in media ownership.
It’s troubling that such a historic British newspaper operates in such secrecy. As one American newspaper famously says, “Democracy dies in darkness.” The Jewish Chronicle seems to be avoiding the light.
