The Washington Post is experiencing a dramatic downturn in its influence and financial stability, contrasting sharply with the flourishing success of its rival, the New York Times. Once on relatively equal footing, the two publications have taken markedly different trajectories over the past decade, raising critical questions about the leadership and strategic direction of the Post.
A Tale of Two Newspapers
Just a few years ago, the New York Times and the Washington Post were fierce competitors, vying for readership, prestige, and journalistic accolades. While the Times has seen its readership grow to approximately 13 million digital subscribers and boasts an operating profit nearing £200 million, the Post is struggling with only around 2 million subscribers and annual losses exceeding £100 million. The Times’ staff has swelled to more than 2,000 globally, whereas the Post’s team has dwindled to about 400, down from a peak of over 1,000.
This marked disparity in fortunes begs the question: What has led to such a significant divergence?
Leadership and Strategic Vision
The differences in the two newspapers’ trajectories can be largely attributed to leadership. During my tenure as public editor at the Times until 2016, I witnessed the shift towards digital revenue—an essential pivot that propelled the Times forward. In contrast, the Post, under the Graham family, grappled with a lack of clarity about its identity and future direction, oscillating between being a regional and a national publication.
The turning point for the Post came in 2013 when Jeff Bezos acquired the paper. Under the stewardship of editor Marty Baron, the Post thrived, showcasing robust journalism that held the Trump administration accountable. However, following Baron’s retirement in 2021 and the subsequent leadership changes, including the appointment of Sally Buzbee and the controversial tenure of Will Lewis, the Post’s momentum faltered.
Lewis’s disconnect with the newsroom and his ill-fated initiatives undermined the paper’s efforts to innovate. For instance, the departure of esteemed reporter David Fahrenthold to the Times in early 2022 served as a troubling indicator of the Post’s declining appeal to top talent.
The Impact of Political Tensions
The situation worsened in the lead-up to the 2024 election when Bezos’s growing alignment with Trump raised alarms about the editorial independence of the Post. The cancellation of a planned endorsement for Kamala Harris epitomised this shift, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among readers. In response, an estimated 200,000 subscribers chose to cancel their subscriptions, a trend that has continued in the face of ongoing leadership missteps.
Bezos has faced criticism not only for his business decisions but also for failing to rectify the situation following Lewis’s departure. The Post’s reputation, once synonymous with journalistic integrity, is now under siege, with many insiders lamenting the erosion of its core values.
The Future of the Washington Post
The Post’s current predicament raises urgent questions about its future. As media analyst Ashley Parker poignantly noted, “We’re witnessing a murder,” reflecting the grim reality of the paper’s diminishing influence and credibility. The need for a return to enlightened leadership has never been more critical if the Post is to reclaim its former stature in the media landscape.
Why it Matters
The decline of the Washington Post is emblematic of broader challenges facing traditional media in an increasingly digital and polarized world. As one of the leading voices in American journalism, its troubles signify a troubling trend for democratic discourse and the role of the press. The Post’s ability to navigate these challenges and restore its influence will be essential not only for its survival but also for the health of public information in the United States.
