The Telegraph: A Storied British Newspaper Navigates Ownership Uncertainty in 2026
Introduction: A Newspaper at a Crossroads
The Telegraph is considered a newspaper of record in the UK, with a rich history spanning 170 years. However, the venerable publication now finds itself at a critical juncture as it navigates a protracted ownership battle that has left its future uncertain. The ongoing saga has raised important questions about press freedom, foreign influence, and the sustainability of traditional journalism in the digital age.
The Ownership Battle: From RedBird to Daily Mail
The Telegraph’s ownership troubles began when its previous owners ran up unsupportable debts and were removed in 2023. Since then, the newspaper has been the subject of intense bidding wars. On 23 May, RedBird IMI agreed to acquire The Telegraph for £500 million ($673 million), but on 14 November 2025, RedBird dropped their bid to buy the papers due to negative media coverage related to the deal and regulatory scrutiny in the UK.
Most recently, a deal that was struck on 22 November 2025 would see its ownership transferred to Daily Mail owner DMGT. This potential merger of two prominent conservative British newspapers has generated considerable attention within the media industry.
Foreign Interference Concerns
The ownership saga has been complicated by concerns about foreign influence. On 17 January 2025, David Castelblanco, a partner at the Abu Dhabi fund RedBird, urged The Telegraph to make significant job cuts, including over 100 non-editorial roles. He also advised the executives to halt planned editorial investments, which included expansions of the US newsroom. The intervention was likely to raise concerns about foreign interference and fuels fears of foreign influence in the decision-making process of The Telegraph.
On 19 January, Sir Iain Duncan Smith stated that the UAE should not be allowed to acquire the British newspaper, while Sir Ed Davey also called for the Cultural Secretary Lisa Nandy to set a deadline for The Telegraph’s sale, and urged the ministers to ensure that the Abu Dhabi fund is “not improperly meddling in the meantime”.
The Telegraph’s Digital Transformation
Despite the ownership uncertainties, The Telegraph has made significant progress in its digital transformation. Quality and authoritative journalism underpins the success of the business, which is reflected in the consistent growth of digital subscriptions revenue again in 2024. The publisher reported that digital subscriptions were up 11% in a year, demonstrating resilience in a challenging media environment.
Conclusion: An Uncertain but Potentially Transformative Future
As 2026 unfolds, The Telegraph stands at a pivotal moment in its storied history. The newspaper’s eventual ownership will have significant implications not only for its editorial direction but also for the broader British media landscape. The potential acquisition by Daily Mail owner DMGT could reshape conservative journalism in the UK, while concerns about foreign interference underscore the importance of protecting press freedom and editorial independence. For readers and industry observers alike, the resolution of The Telegraph’s ownership saga will be one of the most significant media stories to watch in the coming months.