The Chronicle was founded in 1889 by journalist and civic reformer Margaret Hale, who believed that a free press was the foundation of a functioning democracy. For more than 135 years, we have operated on that principle: independent, rigorous, accountable journalism in the public interest.
We are not owned by a media conglomerate. We are not funded by a billionaire with political interests. The Chronicle is owned by a reader-supported trust that prohibits commercial interference with editorial decisions. Our newsroom operates entirely independently of our business operations.
Our Mission
We exist to report the truth, explain what it means, and hold the powerful accountable — whether that power is exercised in government, business, technology, culture, or any other domain that shapes people's lives.
We cover the world as it is, not as any party, ideology, or advertiser would prefer us to portray it. We correct errors promptly and publicly. We are transparent about our methods, our funding, and our limitations.
Our Journalism
The Chronicle's editorial team includes 180 journalists based in our headquarters in London and bureaux in Washington DC, New York, Brussels, Nairobi, Mumbai, São Paulo, Beijing, and Sydney. We publish across print, digital, audio, and video, and our investigative unit operates on a dedicated two-year project cycle that allows reporters to pursue complex, high-stakes stories without commercial pressure.
Editorial Independence
The Chronicle Trust, established in 1972, holds all shares in The Chronicle Publishing Company and is governed by a board of trustees who are prohibited by charter from serving in partisan political roles or sitting on the boards of commercial entities with interests in our coverage areas. The trust charter requires that any interference with editorial independence be treated as grounds for the immediate removal of any board member who attempts it.
Reader Funding
In 2018, The Chronicle launched its Reader Membership programme, which now accounts for 64% of our total revenue. This structure means our primary obligation is to our readers rather than to advertisers or investors. We are grateful for the trust our members place in us and take that trust with the utmost seriousness.