Glenn Kessler’s Departure from the Washington Post

The influential figure behind the “Pinocchio” fact checks at the Washington Post, Glenn Kessler, has announced he is leaving the paper, a move that leaves a significant gap. On Monday, Kessler shared that he has parted ways with the Post after a long tenure, which has spanned nearly 15 years as the editor of the Fact Checker and over 27 years in total.

“I will officially depart on July 31. In this challenging financial climate, it became clear that continuing my work was not as feasible as I had hoped, especially in terms of scrutinizing politicians,” Kessler explained.

The Post has been experiencing some upheaval, and Kessler’s exit follows reports of other notable contributors also leaving amid editorial shifts.

Kessler noted he has written or edited over 3,000 fact checks and reflected on the evolution of the genre since he started in 2011. “Back then, there were just a few fact-checking organizations worldwide. It’s encouraging to see the movement grow, and I’ve made lasting friendships with many dedicated fact-checkers,” he said.

He added, “My Fact Check articles consistently ranked among the most read within the Post, drawing attention from both sides of the political spectrum. While I faced criticism, many readers valued the effort to clarify political rhetoric.”

Reports indicate that Matt Murray, the executive editor of the Washington Post, supports bringing in a replacement for Kessler, who expressed a desire to find a successor before departing. However, he noted that attempts to negotiate a longer contract for a smooth transition were unsuccessful.

Looking ahead, Kessler plans to engage in freelance work and write a book. “Back in 2018, I mentioned to the New York Times, ‘This is my best work in journalism.’ I still feel that way. Although I’m sorry to leave without a clear transition in place, I believe this is the right time for me,” he added, hopeful for the future of fact-checking.

The Washington Post has yet to publicly comment on Kessler’s departure.

In May, Murray had already introduced a new voluntary separation program for staff, aiming to encourage experienced writers to reconsider their positions, with incentives based on tenure. This initiative was expected to wrap up soon and appears to have led to the exodus of not just Kessler but also several other prominent journalists.

Kessler isn’t alone in his departure; other recognizable names, including columnists Jonathan Capehart and Catherine Rampell, have also left or considered the separation offers.

The editorial shifts are reportedly part of a broader plan initiated by Jeff Bezos, the owner of the Washington Post, who is pushing for a more market-driven approach that emphasizes personal freedoms. This direction has sparked dissent among various staff members leading to resignations and subscription cancellations.

In a recent message to staff, CEO Will Lewis emphasized the need for adaptive thinking to enhance the paper’s impact on democracy. He acknowledged that while this new path may not suit everyone, support structures like the voluntary separation program are in place to assist those opting for a change.