Washington Post Staff Urge Jeff Bezos to Intervene Amid Concerns Over Leadership and Direction
More than 400 Washington Post staff members have sent a letter to owner Jeff Bezos, raising concerns about the newspaper’s current leadership and its future. The letter, signed by prominent journalists, follows a wave of talent departures and calls for Bezos to take a more active role in addressing their concerns.
The letter, obtained by CNN, expressed alarm over recent decisions that staff claim have undermined the institution’s integrity and transparency, prompting key figures to leave and potentially triggering further resignations.
“We are deeply alarmed by recent leadership decisions that have led readers to question the integrity of this institution,” the letter stated, adding that the changes have created uncertainty about the publication’s direction.
Although the letter did not explicitly name publisher and CEO William Lewis, it hinted at dissatisfaction with his leadership. Lewis, who was brought on by Bezos to revitalize the Post, has faced criticism for his management approach and past ties to Rupert Murdoch’s British newspapers, raising concerns about his journalistic ethos.
The letter also referenced Bezos’s involvement, or lack thereof, in the paper’s operations. While his hands-off approach has given journalists autonomy, staffers now call for his direct intervention to stabilize the Post. The request includes a plea for Bezos to visit the newsroom and meet with leadership.
One contentious issue cited in the letter was Bezos’s decision to block the editorial board’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, a move that led to widespread subscriber cancellations.
“This is about retaining our competitive edge, restoring trust, and rebuilding a relationship with leadership based on open communication,” the letter stated, urging for a clear vision to guide the Post’s future.
The letter comes amid Bezos’s recent remarks at The New York Times DealBook Summit, where he acknowledged the challenges facing the Post and pledged to restore its footing. “We’ve saved the Washington Post once,” Bezos said. “This will be the second time.”
A representative for Bezos did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The situation underscores the growing tensions within the iconic publication, as staff push for leadership that aligns with the paper’s storied reputation.