The Unravelling of a Journalistic Institution
Jeff Bezos stands at a critical juncture with the Washington Post, facing accusations that his stewardship is actively damaging one of America's most revered journalistic institutions. The billionaire owner appears to be making decisions that could inflict permanent harm upon the newspaper, raising serious questions about his commitment to preserving this national treasure.
A Legacy Under Threat
For years, Bezos seemed to embrace his responsibility as owner with genuine seriousness. He demonstrated understanding of the high stakes involved in safeguarding a publication with the Post's storied history. When journalist Jason Rezaian was imprisoned in Iran, Bezos actively worked towards his release. When Donald Trump personally attacked the newspaper during his first administration, Bezos stood firm rather than buckling under pressure.
He even managed to strike the right tone with journalists, encouraging the staff to embrace their mission in a democracy with appropriate energy and determination. This period suggested Bezos might become something greater than just another billionaire media owner.
The Troubling Turn
The situation has deteriorated dramatically over the past year. The threat of major newsroom layoffs looms over an already diminished staff, potentially weakening the newspaper's capabilities at precisely the moment when strong, fact-based journalism is most crucial both in America and globally.
The turning point appears to have been Bezos' decision to spike a draft editorial endorsing Kamala Harris for president shortly before the 2024 election. This move, apparently motivated by a desire to protect his other commercial interests, prompted droves of subscribers to cancel their subscriptions in disgust at what they perceived as sacrificing editorial independence to please Donald Trump.
Exodus of Talent and Readers
Subsequent decisions have accelerated the newspaper's troubles. Bezos made clear his desire for the opinion section to take a sharp rightward turn, leading to the departure of some of the nation's finest columnists. Cartoonist Ann Telnaes left after attempting to publish work depicting Bezos and similar figures cozying up to Trump.
On the news side, numerous star reporters and editors have departed for publications including the Atlantic, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. This talent drain has coincided with Amazon's controversial financial support for Trump-related initiatives, including contributions to his inauguration and substantial backing for a Melania Trump documentary.
Financial Realities and Alternatives
While the Washington Post is reportedly losing approximately $100 million annually, this represents essentially pocket change for someone with Bezos' estimated $250 billion net worth. As statistics expert Nate Silver noted, such losses amount to "a rounding error" for the billionaire.
Other news organisations demonstrate that financial sustainability need not come at the cost of journalistic integrity. The New York Times operates profitably while expanding, and Guardian US continues to thrive. Less than a decade ago, the Post itself was reportedly profitable during Marty Baron's editorship, when it competed successfully with the Times for scoops and top talent while producing strong accountability reporting during Trump's first administration.
A Path Forward
Instead of building upon this foundation, Bezos' handpicked publisher Will Lewis has pursued a different direction, though Post journalists continue to produce excellent daily journalism and secure significant scoops. While wanting the newspaper to become self-sustaining is understandable, there existed alternative paths to achieving this without alienating core readership or destroying the institution.
Strategic adjustments might have been necessary, but not the draconian measures that threaten to severely weaken foundational coverage areas like foreign reporting and sports journalism. When Bezos purchased the Post in 2013 for a mere $250 million, he acquired not just a newspaper but a national treasure with a staff as talented as any in the world.
The Stakes for Democracy
The Washington Post's legacy includes numerous Pulitzer prizes for groundbreaking work, from uncovering the Watergate scandal to breaking the Edward Snowden revelations alongside the Guardian, plus recognition for exceptional culture writing and international coverage. This history represents precisely what stands to be lost.
At this crucial moment for American democracy, the imperative is clear: Bezos must reverse course, heal the self-inflicted wounds, and commit to helping Washington Post journalism not merely survive but thrive. The alternative risks destroying an institution that has served democracy for generations, sacrificing a priceless legacy for questionable short-term gains.
