The Observer Reviews

Omg I’m so sick of these kinds of titles. First story I opened. Title includes “Here’s why”
Makes me want to slam my phone down, bc I got suckered into downloading TheObserver . Deleting right away!!!

I’m a former Tortoise subscriber and an avid podcast listener. I have a great podcast app set up exactly as I like it. It has numerous features I value. But Tortoise is busy erecting an audio walled garden. If I want to listen to Tortoise podcasts using my subscriber benefits (early and ad free listening) I am forced to listen in the pared down audio player offered by the Tortoise app. Why can’t I access my subscriber benefits via an RSS link in my podcast player of choice? Other publications make this easy for subscribers - the Economist is a great example. But Tortoise foists a substandard experience on its subscribers and expects me to now juggle multiple apps to accomplish my podcast listening. I cancelled my subscription and Tortoise has lost the subscription revenue. If matters change I would resubscribe. But the current state of affairs shows a disrespect for listeners’ workflows and time.

This is a progressive propaganda outlet which like many such intentionally obscures its nature and purpose.

Like most of your customers, I listen to your content in my vehicle. Although it does play when connected through apple carplay, I have no controls and TheObserver is nonexistent on the screen. I have to dangerously use my phone to change programs or unpause or pause the content. What’s more, every time I get a text or any notification, TheObserver stops playing and I have to press play again. This happens on headphones too. This is not a difficult fix, so I hope you guys update it soon!

Great content BUT navigating TheObserver in not intuitive. Poorly organized and difficult to find subsequent episodes once you start listening to an episode.

I am an American who supported this new journalistic approach through Kickstarter. I appreciate the unvarnished approach and it’s attempt to tell a truth that needs to be heard.

Thanks. I like the theme - slow news. Much needed!

I appreciate Tortoise investigating this matter, despite being attacked by Depp fans and flunkies.

One of my favourites, if not favourite podcast. Discovered it whilst browsing to look for great stories and have been listening to Tortoise since. The work of the journalists, producers and everyone involved in getting the stories out are phenomenal. Thank you

I am, as many others are I presume, time poor. I don’t have time for the barrage of news that interrupts my day. All contradicting itself. I need a well-informed friend to tell me what’s what, in just the right amount of detail so that I actually learn something instead of superficial fast news that can’t keep up with itself. I only need to know about the stuff that matters. Tortoise is my new digital friend in the know in that respect. An antidote to fake news, and much like noise cancelling headphones amidst the cacophony of media noise. Bravo team. Keep slow and carry on