In an unanticipated move reflecting the challenges that plague print journalism, The Washington Post’s executive editor, Sally Buzbee, has resigned after three years in charge. Buzbee’s departure comes amidst a tumultuous period for the left-leaning publication, as publisher and CEO William Lewis announced in a staff meeting that the paper is “losing large amounts of money” and struggling to retain readers. As the Post faces a new era of uncertainty, officials have emphasized the need for “decisive” and “urgent” changes to be implemented in the newsroom.
The Post, like many other left-wing news outlets, saw its audience grow during Trump’s presidency, hitting 101 million unique visitors per month in 2020. Yet, as Trump left office, the publication saw its readership drop to 50 million, coupled with a staggering $77 million in losses for 2023. This decline triggered a leadership reshuffle that will see former Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Matt Murray replace Buzbee up until the 2024 presidential election.
Murray has stated that he has no interest in “managing decline,” focusing instead on promoting growth and exploring new opportunities. Post-2024 election, Robert Winnett of the Telegraph Media Group will assume leadership for the newspaper’s core news beats. Meanwhile, Murray will oversee a new “third newsroom” division, although information about its intended function remains scarce.
This leadership shakeup comes at a pivotal moment for the Post, as Lewis aims to move away from a “one-size-fits-all” content strategy and adopt a more inclusive approach. This comes as a response to the newspaper’s past criticism, particularly from conservatives, of its clear left-wing bias. As it seeks to broaden its reach, the Post aims to move past its controversial connection with Trump and focus on growth.
The Washington Post, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos since 2013, has served as a symbol of journalistic resilience against mounting criticism from politicians, especially former President Trump. But in light of these recent revelations and the pressing need for change, the question now arises whether the paper can continue to fulfill its self-appointed role as a guardian of democracy.
At a time when journalism is continually under threat, The Washington Post must now navigate a new era of uncertainty and transformation, seeking innovative methods to engage its readership in the digital age. As it embraces change, the Post may yet prove that even in the face of adversity, democracy need not die in darkness.
