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Jeff Bezos, the billionaire owner of The Washington Post, is facing renewed scrutiny as the publication navigates a turbulent period. Nearly 12 years after his $250 million acquisition from the Graham family, questions arise regarding his influence and responsibilities for The Post’s current struggles.
A recent article in The New Yorker titled ‘Is Jeff Bezos Selling Out The Washington Post?’ provides an insightful timeline of key events from the purchase to the present. It details leadership transitions, notably between Marty Baron, Sally Buzbee, and current interim editor Matt Murray. The piece also highlights the various controversies that have erupted in the newsroom and Bezos’ complicated relationship with former President Donald Trump.
One staff member described Bezos as appearing ‘out of touch’ during a meeting in January 2023 with The Post’s journalists. They noted, ‘He is isolated, and he hasn’t done the work to engage and be a hands-on owner.’ In the current media landscape, a more engaged approach is essential for owners of news organizations to be effective.
Bezos’ actions have sparked considerable discontent among staff. A pivotal moment in his tenure occurred when he unilaterally decided to suppress the paper’s planned endorsement of Kamala Harris shortly before the 2024 election. This ‘non-endorsement’ not only angered many within the organization but also led to significant subscriber losses, with reports of over 250,000 canceled subscriptions from aggrieved readers.
The fallout from this decision has created an atmosphere of uncertainty, leaving employees questioning whether The Post can regain its footing. One disgruntled staff member remarked, ‘The non-endorsement shook a lot of people because it was done in such a ham-handed fashion.’ The implications of this decision could have lasting effects on the paper’s credibility.
In the months following the controversial move, The Washington Post has witnessed an unprecedented talent drain. High-profile exits include national editor Philip Rucker to CNN, managing editor Matea Gold to The New York Times, and notable reporters Josh Dawsey, Ashley Parker, and Michael Scherer, who have joined The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic.
The exodus continued last week with reporter Aaron Blake leaving for CNN, where he is expected to thrive under Rucker’s guidance. A Post staff member characterized Blake’s departure as a significant loss, acknowledging Rucker’s ability to elevate him to star status at CNN.
Not all departures stem from career advancement; others have left in protest against Bezos’s leadership. Columnists Jennifer Rubin and Eugene Robinson quit, while cartoonist Ann Telnaes resigned last January following the rejection of a critical cartoon depicting Bezos and Trump. Remarkably, Telnaes received a Pulitzer Prize shortly after her departure, reflecting her impactful work during her time at The Post.
The turmoil continued as opinion editor David Shipley resigned after Bezos directed that columns typically promote ‘personal liberties and free markets.’ This decision reportedly led to additional subscriber losses, as another 250,000 paid subscriptions were canceled following the uproar.
Morale at The Washington Post currently sits at an all-time low. Many employees do not point their fingers solely at Bezos. Will Lewis, the CEO and publisher Bezos personally chose in 2024, has had a tumultuous relationship with the staff. His blunt remarks during a meeting last June, where he stated, ‘People are not reading your stuff,’ did little to boost morale in a time when the paper faced financial challenges.
According to a Post staffer, Lewis has been largely absent: ‘Will has been a ghost since July. He couldn’t even find the time to show up for Pulitzer Day.’ This absence has further fueled concerns about leadership at The Post.
A spokesperson from The Washington Post, however, defended Lewis, stating that he regularly attends news and opinion meetings to offer support. Yet, numerous staff members attribute their departures to Lewis’ lack of a clear direction for the paper, as reported in the New Yorker piece.
‘It is unfair to blame the newsroom for the Post’s struggles,’ remarked a former top editor. ‘The newsroom is not always its own best friend, but Will somehow convinced Jeff that it is the problem, when there is no real business strategy.’ This perspective highlights the complex dynamics at play within The Post.
Despite prevailing challenges, some staff members maintain a sense of optimism. The recent Pulitzer Prizes awarded to the publication demonstrate its continued journalistic excellence amidst adversity. Furthermore, Bezos has significantly expanded The Post’s staff and resources, which many inside the organization view as critical during these trying times.
A staff member expressed gratitude toward Bezos for reviving a publication that was facing existential threats before his investment, stating, ‘I blame him for being an absent owner and letting Fred Ryan fail to capitalize on the big boost in circulation we got in Trump’s first term.’ This acknowledgment of past failures shows a desire for a more involved leadership.
Looking back, it is crucial to consider the state of The Post when Bezos took the helm. According to this insider, ‘You have to keep in mind how bad things were when Bezos bought The Post. We were rock bottom. We haven’t fallen that far yet.’ This perspective illustrates both the challenges ahead and the potential for recovery.
Looking Forward: Opportunities for Renewal
The Washington Post stands at a crossroads. As it confronts significant issues around morale, leadership, and staff retention, the path forward will require innovative strategies and a renewed commitment from ownership. Employees aspire for a more engaged Bezos who understands the intricacies of the media landscape.
As the landscape of journalism continues to evolve, the success of The Washington Post will depend on its ability to adapt quickly while preserving its core integrity. The current chapter will undoubtedly shape its future, and stakeholders must recognize the critical importance of strong, hands-on leadership in this challenging environment.
