The Spectator is now owned by a Christian. But is this good news?

Is the new owner of The Spectator an ambitious mogul, an obedient servant or perhaps both? Chair of Christians in Media, Lani Charlwood, shares her view

Sir Paul Marshall, owner of GB News and founder of digital outlet UnHerd, has snapped up the world’s oldest weekly magazine, The Spectator, for £100m.

An outspoken Christian and member of HTB, Sir Paul represents a rare combination of devout Christian with exceeding wealth and influence. Unsurprisingly, this has cast his actions and motivations into the national spotlight.

There have been widespread comments that Sir Paul is bidding to “build an empire of right-wing media outlets” (BBC) or that “his ambition [is] to control a significant swathe of the UK’s conservative and rightwing media outlets.” (The Guardian)

Rev Richard Stainer summed up the feelings of many Christians when he wrote in The Guardian, “I struggle to understand how Sir Paul squares his faith with his enormous personal wealth”. He called on Sir Paul to remember various Bible passages about money, justice and the fruit of our labour.