The Washington Post is struggling, and former fact checker Glenn Kessler suggests the root of the problem lies with its owner, Jeff Bezos. Kessler remarked that if Bezos isn’t fully devoted to the newspaper, he should consider selling it. After over 27 years at the Post, Kessler felt a deep sadness about its current state, especially considering how he used to think about its potential just five years ago.
Kessler, who left the Post last July, noted that the publication’s attempts to appeal to conservative audiences have alienated some liberal readers. He mentioned that the paper is facing significant financial losses, projected at $77 million for 2024, which has led to staff cuts targeting seasoned journalists.
He compared the newspaper’s situation to a ship sinking after hitting an iceberg, feeling adrift with a sense of lost direction. Kessler expressed disappointment, saying that, if there is a vision for the Post’s future, it’s not clearly outlined. He emphasized that the next five to ten years could bring rocky challenges for the news industry.
Challenges Facing the Paper
Bezos hasn’t been free from criticism, particularly for decisions that stirred discontent among liberal audiences. For instance, he halted support for then-President Kamala Harris just before the elections, and later began promoting a new editorial direction focused on “personal freedom and free markets,” which angered many subscribers and resulted in a notable drop in subscriptions.
Interestingly, Kessler once viewed Bezos as a savior for the Post. He recalled that before Bezos’s acquisition in 2013, the newspaper was in dire straits with insufficient resources to adapt to modern journalism demands.
Kessler shared that even he had considered leaving the Post due to the bleak conditions, but accepted a position as fact checker in 2011, speculating that he could maintain his reputation even if the paper struggled. He acknowledged that Bezos’s investment did lead to significant improvements, including expanded staff and better technological resources.
Now, however, he senses a lack of a clear plan for the future, indicating that the paper seems to be floundering. Kessler criticized the current management for not capitalizing on the surge in readership during the early Trump administration, implying that the Post has failed to broaden its appeal to new audiences.
Reflecting on the competition, Kessler suggested that while the New York Times effectively catered to a diverse array of readers, the Post might be struggling to define its own niche, relying too much on an outdated strategy.
Amidst these challenges, the Post discontinued a recent initiative aimed at reaching social media users and has pivoted to a new project under Sara Kehaulani Goo, which focuses on personality-driven content aimed at engaging new audiences.
Future Concerns
Kessler raised concerns about the impact of AI on journalism, noting how its rise has shifted how readers access news, which further complicates matters for traditional outlets like the Post. He believes that management, especially Bezos, needs to prioritize the future of the Post and address its declining subscriber base.
In closing, a spokesperson from the Washington Post reiterated the organization’s commitment to reinventing itself as a trustworthy news source for all Americans, emphasizing diligence in delivering accurate news.
