James Harding

James Harding is a prominent figure in the media landscape, serving as the Co-founder and Editor of Tortoise Media, a news organization he helped establish in February 2018. His career spans significant roles in major news outlets, including a tenure as the Director of News and Current Affairs at the BBC from April 2013 until January 2018. Before that, he was the Editor of The Times from December 2007 to December 2012, during which time he led the paper to win the Newspaper of the Year award twice.124

Career Highlights

• Tortoise Media (2018 - Present): Harding co-founded Tortoise Media to address what he sees as a need for "slow news," focusing on in-depth analysis rather than breaking news. The organization emphasizes thoughtful journalism and aims to engage its audience as members rather than mere consumers.56
• BBC News (2013 - 2018): As Director, he oversaw all news programming and played a crucial role in shaping the BBC's news strategy during a transformative period for media.24
• The Times (2007 - 2012): His leadership at The Times was marked by significant achievements, including winning prestigious awards and expanding the paper's influence.13
• The Financial Times: Prior to his role at The Times, Harding worked at The Financial Times, where he held various positions including Washington Bureau Chief and Media Editor. Notably, he opened the paper's bureau in Shanghai in 1996.24

Publications and Contributions

James Harding is also an author, known for his book "Alpha Dogs: How Political Spin Became a Global Business," which explores the intersection of politics and media. Additionally, he has contributed to global discussions on journalism through various platforms, including presenting on the BBC World Service.24

Personal Background

Born in London in 1969, Harding studied History at Trinity College, Cambridge. He is multilingual, speaking Japanese, Chinese, French, and German, which reflects his extensive international experience in journalism.24

Harding's approach at Tortoise Media emphasizes transparency and community engagement in journalism, aiming to create a more responsible media landscape that prioritizes depth over speed.56