New Washington Post CEO Accused of Censorship, “Rupert Murdoch-ization” of WaPo
Democracy NowMay 30
UK Journalist Backs Out of Washington Post Job
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The Facts
Washington Post publisher Will Lewis announced Friday that British journalist Robert Winnett had backed out of joining the paper as its next chief editor following controversy about his appointment. Winnett will instead remain at the British newspaper The Telegraph.
Recent reports out of the New York Times and Washington Post detailed alleged connections between Winnett and a private investigator who had acknowledged using unethical means to obtain information, including hacking into phones.
The Spin
Left narrative
While a Winnett-free Washington Post is a good start, Bezos needs to step up and get rid of Lewis. The Post has a storied history of hiring the best and brightest journalists, character traits that seem to be missing in the current publisher.
Right narrative
The progressives at the Post are throwing a fit not over ethics concerns but rather over worry that Lewis, who used to work for Rupert Murdoch's companies, will lead a conservative revolt. As Bezos subsidizes the failing paper — which lost $77M last year — with his own wealth, the liberal newsroom should focus on writing better stories.