Glenn Kessler Reflects on Washington Post Departure
Glenn Kessler, a former fact-checker at the Washington Post, has recently shared insights about his experience at the newspaper, particularly his interactions with its leadership. In a candid discussion, he noted that during a meeting with the new CEO, Will Lewis, he found it unusual to spend an hour in conversation with a newspaper publisher. Kessler remarked, “I have never spent that long with a newspaper publisher,” highlighting the unique nature of that encounter.
One thing that particularly frustrated Kessler during the meeting was Lewis’s inquiry about how to broaden the Post’s audience. “Asking for my advice on how to appeal to different audiences felt a bit beyond the typical scope of a business newsroom,” he explained. He pointed out that the Post’s readership tends to lean liberal, based on his experiences with fact-checking that often drew ire from conservative readers but not vice versa. “It’s a good idea to seek a wider audience, but how can you do it without alienating your liberal base?” he pondered.
Kessler expressed concern about the challenges of shifting the paper’s ideological balance. He referenced a “real-life experiment” involving Jeff Bezos, the billionaire owner of the Post, who attempted to change the paper’s editorial stance in a bid to appeal to more conservatives. This strategy led to a backlash among existing liberal readers, resulting in the cancellation of numerous subscriptions. “It’s really tough, like trying to change the engine while the plane is in the air,” he commented.
Reflecting on the Post’s mission, Kessler shared that the news coverage is generally devoid of any marked biases, yet the overwhelming liberal readership complicates its efforts to be seen as impartial. “When 80% of your audience is liberal, that position is challenging,” he remarked. His previous critiques of Bezos’s editorial direction were met with significant pushback from staff, with many resigning in protest.
Kessler also took issue with the notion of excluding liberal viewpoints from editorial pages. He suggested that reading opposing opinions is vital for growth and understanding. “I always advise students to follow people with whom they disagree; it’s a much more enriching experience than only consuming like-minded voices,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in journalism.
In response, a spokesperson for the Washington Post affirmed the newspaper’s commitment to high-quality journalism, striving to engage a varied audience.
