INTERNATIONAL
Power Affairs: Influential British George Orwell’s magazine taken over by Muslim TV channel founder
Tribune, a historic socialist magazine, gets new owner Mohamed Ali Harrath, sparking debate over its future direction and editorial mission. - FREEIMAGES/Pic for illustrative purposes only
LONDON: In a move that has sparked debate across the political spectrum, Tribune—the influential British magazine once edited by George Orwell—has been acquired by Mohamed Ali Harrath, founder of the Islam Channel.
AI Brief
The purchase marks a striking new chapter for the left-leaning, anti-fascist publication, whose roots trace back to 1937. Tribune has long been a stalwart voice for the Labour movement, having published icons such as HG Wells and George Bernard Shaw.
The takeover at a glance:
• Buyer: Mohamed Ali Harrath, founder of the Islam Channel
• New Chairman of Tribune: Mohamed Ali Harrath
• Advisory Role: Labour MP Jon Trickett
• Editorial Direction: Expansion of Tribune’s editorial mission, more frequent issues, commitment to socialist and anti-imperialist ideals
• Background: Harrath was granted UK refugee status in 2000 after founding the Tunisian Islamic Front, a non-violent movement opposing Ben Ali’s dictatorship.
Founded as a beacon for socialist thought in 1937, Tribune has weathered ideological storms for decades. Now, with its new ownership by a figure linked to a media outlet once fined for broadcasting “anti-Semitic” content, the magazine’s future direction has become a lightning rod for discussion.
The Islam Channel headed today by Mohamed Harrath’s son, Mohamed Harrath Jr—was fined £40,000 by Ofcom in 2023 for airing the documentary The Andinia Plan, which invoked a fringe conspiracy theory about Jewish statehood in South America.
In a statement, Mohamed Ali Harrath pledged to uphold Tribune’s historic editorial independence.
“A new future for Tribune should excite anyone who wants real change, and a better and brighter future for all.,” Ali Harrath declared.
Jon Trickett’s Endorsement
Labour MP Jon Trickett, who chairs Tribune’s advisory board, welcomed the takeover.
“The UK is crying out for an alternative to the establishment media,” Trickett said, arguing that Tribune’s expanded platform would give voice to the marginalized—socialists, trade unionists, anti-racists, and peace campaigners.
Editorial Ambitions
An editorial note on Tribune’s website promises an “ambitious expansion” beyond the current quarterly output, with plans to amplify its progressive message on social justice and global affairs.
The Islam Channel, meanwhile, has described the acquisition as a natural extension of its “proud tradition of anti-fascism, anti-imperialism, and advocacy for peace and equality”—a narrative that echoes Tribune’s historical mission.
Orwell’s old desk now has a new occupant, ushering in a fresh chapter for a storied publication with global resonance.
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AI Brief
- Tribune is now owned and chaired by Mohamed Ali Harrath, founder of the Islam Channel, with Labour MP Jon Trickett as advisor.
- Plans include expanding Tribune's reach and reaffirming its socialist, anti-imperialist values while pledging editorial independence.
- Harrath's ties to a channel fined for airing antisemitic content raise questions about Tribunes future under his leadership.
The purchase marks a striking new chapter for the left-leaning, anti-fascist publication, whose roots trace back to 1937. Tribune has long been a stalwart voice for the Labour movement, having published icons such as HG Wells and George Bernard Shaw.
The takeover at a glance:
• Buyer: Mohamed Ali Harrath, founder of the Islam Channel
• New Chairman of Tribune: Mohamed Ali Harrath
• Advisory Role: Labour MP Jon Trickett
• Editorial Direction: Expansion of Tribune’s editorial mission, more frequent issues, commitment to socialist and anti-imperialist ideals
• Background: Harrath was granted UK refugee status in 2000 after founding the Tunisian Islamic Front, a non-violent movement opposing Ben Ali’s dictatorship.
Founded as a beacon for socialist thought in 1937, Tribune has weathered ideological storms for decades. Now, with its new ownership by a figure linked to a media outlet once fined for broadcasting “anti-Semitic” content, the magazine’s future direction has become a lightning rod for discussion.
The Islam Channel headed today by Mohamed Harrath’s son, Mohamed Harrath Jr—was fined £40,000 by Ofcom in 2023 for airing the documentary The Andinia Plan, which invoked a fringe conspiracy theory about Jewish statehood in South America.
In a statement, Mohamed Ali Harrath pledged to uphold Tribune’s historic editorial independence.
“A new future for Tribune should excite anyone who wants real change, and a better and brighter future for all.,” Ali Harrath declared.
Jon Trickett’s Endorsement
Labour MP Jon Trickett, who chairs Tribune’s advisory board, welcomed the takeover.
“The UK is crying out for an alternative to the establishment media,” Trickett said, arguing that Tribune’s expanded platform would give voice to the marginalized—socialists, trade unionists, anti-racists, and peace campaigners.
Editorial Ambitions
An editorial note on Tribune’s website promises an “ambitious expansion” beyond the current quarterly output, with plans to amplify its progressive message on social justice and global affairs.
The Islam Channel, meanwhile, has described the acquisition as a natural extension of its “proud tradition of anti-fascism, anti-imperialism, and advocacy for peace and equality”—a narrative that echoes Tribune’s historical mission.
Orwell’s old desk now has a new occupant, ushering in a fresh chapter for a storied publication with global resonance.