Slate Money Who Do Washington Post Boycotts Hurt? Not Jeff Bezos.
Nov 2, 2024
The discussion kicks off with Jeff Bezos and the fallout from the Washington Post's decision not to endorse a presidential candidate. They dissect the limited impact of boycotts on Bezos and reflect on media influence. The economic ramifications of a potential Trump victory are explored, warning of negative outcomes. Meanwhile, Meta faces scrutiny over employee misuse of perks, raising questions about corporate benefits. Lastly, the changing dynamics of work-life balance and the implications of corporate wellness initiatives are analyzed.
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Washington Post Subscriber Loss
- The Washington Post lost over 250,000 subscribers, a significant portion of their base, after Jeff Bezos pulled a presidential endorsement.
- The move, explained as a matter of principle, triggered a backlash due to Bezos's ownership and the Post's political positioning.
Boycott Motivation
- The boycott targets Bezos's interference, not endorsements themselves.
- High-information subscribers, particularly in D.C., react strongly to perceived billionaire influence in political coverage.
Boycott Impact
- The boycott won't financially impact Bezos, as the Washington Post is a minor part of his business portfolio.
- It primarily affects journalists and may damage Bezos's pride.