Slate Daily Feed What Next | Jimmy Kimmel Got His Job Back. She Didn’t.
Sep 25, 2025
Karen Attiah, a former Washington Post columnist and global opinions editor, dives into her controversial firing over social media posts critiquing performative mourning and political rhetoric. She reflects on the vital role of institutions in defending free speech, particularly after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The conversation highlights the unequal consequences for conservative versus critical voices in media and the chilling atmosphere affecting diversity and representation in journalism. Attiah plans to continue her work on independent platforms while honoring silenced voices.
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Recruiting Jamal Khashoggi
- Karen Attiah recruited Jamal Khashoggi to write for The Washington Post's Global Opinions section.
- He later was murdered in the Saudi consulate, a traumatic turning point in her career and reporting.
When Media Rallies, Power Is Visible
- The Khashoggi coverage showed how the press can rally and sustain attention to demand accountability.
- Attiah describes that unified media response as both empowering and deeply painful.
Editorial Shift Felt Like Censorship
- Jeff Bezos' changes signaled a narrow editorial shift at The Washington Post toward 'personal liberties' and market-focused opinions.
- Attiah interprets that shift as a constriction amounting to censorship of diverse viewpoints.