Can Kara Save The Washington Post From Jeff Bezos?
Mar 3, 2025
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This discussion features Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, alongside influential figures like Sally Quinn, a former Washington Post columnist; Tina Brown, accomplished media executive; Oliver Darcy, media commentator; and Amanda Katz, former opinion editor. They dive into the controversial editorial decisions at The Washington Post, particularly under Bezos's ownership, and the growing concern over journalistic integrity. The panel reflects on the exodus of talent and debates the challenges of maintaining accountability journalism in today's polarized media landscape.
The ongoing challenges facing The Washington Post under Jeff Bezos' ownership include a perceived erosion of journalistic integrity and independence.
Kara Swisher's commitment to exploring alternative ownership options reflects a deep personal connection to the newspaper and its historical significance.
Expert discussions in the podcast highlight the potential for revitalizing The Washington Post through strategic leadership changes and a renewed focus on diverse viewpoints.
Deep dives
The Role of AI in Reducing Busy Work
AI agents are revolutionizing business operations by automating repetitive tasks across various departments such as IT, HR, and customer service. This automation significantly reduces the burden of mundane busy work, allowing employees to concentrate on more meaningful and creative assignments. By leveraging technology, organizations can streamline processes and enhance productivity, giving employees the freedom to pursue work they find fulfilling. The integration of AI into the workplace represents a fundamental shift in the way labor is organized and performed.
A Personal Connection to The Washington Post
The speaker shares a deep personal connection with The Washington Post, recounting how their passion for journalism originated from a call they made to the Metro editor while still in college. This pivotal moment led to an opportunity to contribute to the paper, showcasing the speaker's journey from a frustrated reader to a journalist within its ranks. The timeline of their career highlights not only their love for the publication but also the evolution of the newspaper amidst the changing media landscape. Over the years, this attachment has fostered a longing to see the paper thrive in a rapidly transforming world.
Issues Faced During Bezos' Ownership
The speaker reflects on the challenges The Washington Post has encountered since Jeff Bezos took ownership, marking a decline that has affected its operations and culture. Early on, Bezos was perceived as a supportive owner, but recent decisions such as pulling endorsements and making controversial changes to the editorial direction have raised concerns. The shift towards a more partisan stance appears to be eroding the journalistic independence that the paper once maintained. As a result, the morale within the newsroom has been negatively impacted, leading to a mass exodus of talented reporters and editors.
Discussion on Editorial Direction Changes
Changes to the Post's editorial direction, according to communications from Bezos, indicate a focus on defense of personal liberties and free markets, which some view as a departure from traditional values of diversity in opinion. This shift raises questions about the implications for the entire editorial staff, as reporters worry about the increasing constraints on content that can be published. Critics argue that these adjustments risk undermining the integrity of the opinion section, as voices opposing these newly established pillars may be silenced. The uncertainty surrounding editorial guidelines creates an environment of anxiety among staff, complicating their ability to deliver critical journalism.
Reflections on Journalistic Integrity
The conversation includes a profound discussion on journalistic integrity and the obligation of media organizations to hold those in power accountable. Historically, The Washington Post has played a critical role in shaping democracy through robust investigative reporting and editorial excellence. However, recent changes have led to fears that this mission is being compromised under Bezos' influence, as decisions made in the interest of business may conflict with the journalistic principles that sustained the publication's reputation. Moving forward, there is a sense that unless an organizational overhaul occurs, the Post may struggle to maintain its esteemed status in journalism.
Potential for Change and Revival
Despite the challenges currently faced by The Washington Post, there remains a sense of hope for its revival through leadership changes. Conversations suggest that a shift in ownership or a new strategic direction could restore the publication's relevance and its commitment to accountability journalism. Experts assert that with the right approach, including an emphasis on diverse viewpoints and robust investigative reporting, the Post could regain its position as an influential media entity. This optimistic outlook hinges on external conditions and the willingness of potential leaders to prioritize journalistic integrity above all else.
For months, Kara has been assembling a group of investors to buy TheWashingtonPost. Although it's not actually for sale, an ongoing exodus of journalistic talent, combined with Bezos's decision to kill an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris days before the 2024 presidential election, made it both plausible that Bezos might entertain a bid and crucial that someone step forward. Now, after watching Bezos remake the opinion section in ways that seem designed to curry favor with President Trump, the chances of persuading him to sell seem increasingly remote.
Nonetheless, Kara’s quixotic quest continues, and in this episode, she talks to some of the people she’s turned to for advice, including: Cameron Barr, a former senior managing editor at the Post who resigned in the wake of the new changes; Tina Brown, a pioneering journalist and media executive who has led multiple publications, including Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Newsweek, and The Daily Beast; Oliver Darcy, a former CNN senior media reporter and currently the founder and lead author of Status.news; Sally Quinn, the first woman to anchor a CBS News morning show, and a best-selling author, and longtime Post columnist who was married to the late Ben Bradlee, a legendary executive editor at the Post; and Amanda Katz, a writer, editor and translator who worked as a senior assignment editor for the opinion section of the Post until she resigned last year (and wife to Kara Swisher).
And make sure to watch "Becoming Katharine Graham," a new documentary about the former Post publisher's extraordinary life and journalistic courage (now streaming, ironically enough, on Amazon Prime).
CORRECTION: In the intro, Kara incorrectly stated that Jeff Bezos hired Marty Baron. In fact, Baron became the executive editor of The Washington Post in January 2013, and Bezos completed his purchase of the newspaper in October 2013. We apologize for the error.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on Instagram, TikTok and Bluesky @onwithkaraswisher
