Media analyst Jon Kelly and Peter discuss the challenges at The Washington Post, including editorial shifts, financial struggles, and cultural clashes. They explore leadership styles, cultural differences in journalism, and internal dynamics within media organizations.
The Washington Post is facing financial struggles with a $100 million loss, aiming for profitability in three years.
Editorial challenges include producing culturally relevant content, declining readership, and a disconnect with necessary changes.
Deep dives
Financial Challenges at The Washington Post
The Washington Post faces significant financial difficulties, having lost $100 million in one year and projecting further losses. In response, CEO Will Lewis aims to turn the business profitable within three years, a challenging task set by Bezos and Stonesifer.
Editorial Concerns and Cultural Issues
The Washington Post grapples with editorial challenges, having struggled to produce culturally significant content recently. The post-Trump and COVID era inflated its influence. The cultural problem within the post, as noted by Lewis, includes declining readership and a disconnect between the newsroom and necessary changes.
Management Style and Leadership Challenges
Will Lewis faces criticism for his management style, seen as brusque and focused on financial outcomes. Issues with communication and building relationships within the newsroom have arisen. Despite attempts at expressing humility and adjusting tone, Lewis still asserts the need for urgent improvements and strategic goals at the Post.
Jon Kelly and Peter are reunited just in time to discuss the tragicomic week at The Washington Post—the Will Lewis restructuring, the Buzbee departure, the Folkenflik battle, and so much more.