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☆ More than 250,000 Washington Post readers cancel subscriptions in revolt over non-endorsement
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-30 | by ( Liam Reilly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —More than 250,000 Washington Post readers have canceled their subscriptions since the newspaper announced last week it would not make an endorsement in the presidential race, leading to a “huge spike” in cancelations, the Post reported late Tuesday. The number did not take into account any new subscribers the Post may have added since Friday or any subscribers who have since re-subscribed, the paper reported. The Post reported it began seeing a surge in cancelations within hours of the announcement. “I wish we had made the change earlier than we did, in a moment further from the election and the emotions around it,” Bezos wrote. Instead, Bezos framed his decision to end presidential endorsements as one designed to regain the trust of readers.

Persons: Will Lewis, Lewis, Marty Baron, “ craven, Jeff Bezos, Trump, Harris, Bezos, — Bezos, Donald Trump, “, ” Bezos, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, Washington Post, Post, NPR, CNN, Blue Origin Locations: New York, cancelations, ”, Texas

☆ America’s CEOs don’t have the stomach for Trump’s promised revenge tour
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-29 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

While dozens of American business leaders — your Reeds Hoffman, your Marks Cuban, etc. “I was very grateful … for his willingness to stand up to the pressure from Donald Trump in 2015 … until now. That’s why 88 business leaders last month endorsed Harris. On the other hand, a little back-channeling and olive-branch-extending could give business leaders and their companies some goodwill in an administration helmed by a notoriously impulsive, vengeful leader. In a business world that craves certainty and economic stability, executives may be telling themselves that their silence is purely a business decision.

Persons: CNN Business ’, New York CNN —, Donald Trump, didn’t, Hoffman, Marks, Kamala Harris, Jeff Bezos, Trump, Marty Baron, Patrick Soon, Harris, Baron, CNN’s Michael Smerconish, Bezos “, Bezos, …, Elon Musk, “ Trump, ” Baron, NPR’s David Folkenflik, Steve Contorno, Alayna Treene, Tim Cook, Sundar Pichai, Andy Jassy, Mark Zuckerberg, it’s Organizations: CNN Business, New York CNN, Democratic, The Washington Post, Republican, Los Angeles Times, Saturday, SpaceX, Washington, LA Times, Apple, Trump, European Union, Las, Google, Amazon, CNN, Meta, White Locations: New York, Amazon, Las Vegas, Pennsylvania

☆ Three Washington Post editorial board members step down amid wave of canceled subscriptions over non-endorsement
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-28 | by ( Hadas Gold | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

A person with knowledge of the matter told CNN that an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris had been drafted by the Post’s editorial board members before it was quashed by Bezos. NPR reported that by midday Monday more than 200,000 people had canceled their digital subscriptions to the Post, citing two people familiar with the matter. Two Post journalists, Molly Roberts and David E. Hoffman both announced Monday they had stepped down from their positions on the editorial board, although both will stay at the paper. A third journalist, Mili Mitra also stepped down, the Post reported, meaning nearly one-third of the 10-member board had resigned. “I cannot sit here any longer on the editorial board and write those editorials while we ourselves have given in to silence,” he said.

Persons: Jeff Bezos’s, David Shipley, Kamala Harris, Bezos, Shipley, “, ”, Donald Trump’s, Molly Roberts, David E, Hoffman, Mili Mitra, Trump, we’re, Roberts, Donald Trump, Marty Baron, ” Baron, CNN’s Michael Smerconish, Bezos “, Baron, “ Bezos, “ Trump, Brian Stelter Organizations: New, New York CNN, Washington, CNN, NPR, Washington Post, Blue Origin, Trump, Post Locations: New York, Amazon

☆ Jeff Bezos has just as much at stake in this election as Elon Musk
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-28 | by ( Tom Carter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The billionaire has been less prominent in the election than Elon Musk — but still has much at stake. Bezos's Blue Origin is working with NASA and the Pentagon as it plays catch-up with Musk's SpaceX. Executives from Bezos' rocket company Blue Origin, including CEO Dave Limp, spoke with Donald Trump on Friday, The Associated Press reported. Like all private space companies, Blue Origin relies heavily on federal contracts and is competing with SpaceX for government and military projects. Blue Origin did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Persons: Jeff Bezos's, Elon Musk, —, Jeff Bezos, Dave Limp, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, William Lewis, Bezos, Lewis, Robert Kagan, Michele Norris, Marty Baron, Baron, Elon, Artemis, it's, SpaceX's, Trump Organizations: Washington Post, NASA, Pentagon, Musk's SpaceX, Service, Bezos, Associated Press, New York Times, Trump, SpaceX, Republican, PAC, Business, Bloomberg, White, Twitter, United States Post, United States Postal Service, Web Services, of Defense, Microsoft Locations: Washington, The Texas, Amazon

☆ Jeff Bezos defends Washington Post non-endorsement after subscribers flee and staffers resign
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-28 | by ( Jon Passantino | Liam Reilly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

“Presidential endorsements do nothing to tip the scales of an election,” Bezos, the billionaire Amazon founder, wrote. “No undecided voters in Pennsylvania are going to say, ‘I’m going with Newspaper A’s endorsement.’ None. High-profile Post staffers have also publicly expressed their dismay over how the situation was handled and raised questions over the reason for the eleventh-hour decision. “That was inadequate planning, and not some intentional strategy.”Hours after Post publisher Will Lewis announced the news Friday, Trump met with executives from Blue Origin, a Bezos-founded spacefaring company. Neither campaign nor candidate was consulted or informed at any level or in any way about this decision.

Persons: Jeff Bezos, ” Bezos, “, I’m, ’, Kamala Harris, Marty Baron, “ craven, Donald Trump, Harris, Bezos, Will Lewis, Trump, ”, Dave Limp, —, It’s Organizations: CNN, Washington Post, Post, “, Amazon, House, Blue, Trump, Blue Origin Locations: Pennsylvania

☆ The Washington Post is in deep turmoil as Bezos remains silent on non-endorsement
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-26 | by ( Hadas Gold | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York CNN —One day after The Washington Post announced it would not endorse a presidential candidate in this year’s election or in the future, its billionaire owner remains silent as the newspaper’s staff are in turmoil. A source with knowledge told CNN on Friday that an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris had been drafted before it was squashed. But when Baron was in charge of the newspaper, Bezos “resisted that pressure” and he was “proud” and “grateful” for that leadership. “Bezos has other commercial interests, a big stake and Amazon, he has a space company called Blue Origin,” Baron said. “Reporting around the role of The Washington Post owner and the decision not to publish a presidential endorsement has been inaccurate,” Lewis said.

Persons: Jeff Bezos, Bezos, Kamala Harris, Marty Baron, Trump, ”, ” Baron, CNN’s Michael Smerconish, Bezos “, Baron, “ Bezos, “ Trump, Will Lewis’s, Lewis, ” Lewis, “, Harris, Robert Kagan, Donald Trump, ” Kagan, CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront, Steven Cheung, Stephen Miller, Kamala, Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein, ” “ Organizations: New, New York CNN, Washington Post, CNN, Amazon, ”, The Washington Post, Post, Blue, Los Angeles Times, Blue Origin, Trump, Washington Locations: New York, America, Washington

☆ Daughter of Los Angeles Times owner says Harris endorsement was blocked over Gaza war support
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-26 | by ( Liam Reilly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —The daughter of Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong suggested on Saturday that herfather’s decision to block the newspaper’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris was made over Harris’ support for Israel’s war in Gaza. “Our family made the joint decision not to endorse a Presidential candidate. Three members of the Times’ editorial board resigned over the decision. I’m proud of the LA Times’ decision just as I am certain there is no such thing as children of darkness. As with the Times, the decision was handed down by the publisher’s billionaire owner, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the newspaper reported.

Persons: Patrick Soon, Shiong, Kamala Harris, Harris, Nika, “, ” Patrick, “ Nika, ”, Barack Obama, Mariel Garza, ” Garza, Donald Trump, I’m, Trump, Jeff Bezos, ” Marty Baron, CNN’s Michael Smerconish Organizations: New, New York CNN, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Apartheid, LA Times, CNN, Washington Post, Times, Amazon Locations: New York, Gaza

The decision not to publish the Harris endorsement was made by The Post’s owner, billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, according to the sources. We don’t see it that way," Will Lewis said in a statement about the decision published on The Post's website. The Post has endorsed a presidential contender in every general election since 1992. Trump sharply criticized Bezos during his presidency and derided the newspaper as "The Fake News Washington Post." Shortly after The Post announced its decision, Soon-Shiong tweeted a screenshot of an article about the news.

Persons: Harris, Jeff Bezos, Will Lewis, Lewis, —, Marty Baron, Baron, Donald Trump, Bezos, Trump, Karen Attiah, Kamala Harris, Semafor, Patrick Soon, Mariel Garza, Garza, Shiong Organizations: Washington, Amazon, NBC News, News Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Columbia Journalism, White, Editorial, Post

☆ Washington Post reports that owner Jeff Bezos stopped it from endorsing Kamala Harris
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-25 | by ( Geoff Weiss | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The Washington Post won't endorse a presidential candidate in 2024. Sources told the Washington Post that the paper's owner, Jeff Bezos, made the decision. AdvertisementThe Washington Post said Friday it won't endorse a candidate in the 2024 election — or in any future presidential races. Advertisement"Donald Trump will celebrate this as an invitation to further intimidate The Post's owner, Jeff Bezos (and other media owners)," Baron told NPR. AdvertisementThe Washington Post did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Persons: Marty Baron, Jeff Bezos, —, William Lewis, Lewis, Bezos, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Baron, Semafor, Patrick Soon, Shiong, Mariel Garza Organizations: Washington, Washington Post, Service, NPR, Post, NASA, Bezos, Sierra Space, Los Angeles Times, Business

☆ Washington Post will not endorse a candidate in 2024 presidential election, breaking decades of tradition
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-25 | by ( Hadas Gold | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —For the first time in decades, The Washington Post will not endorse a candidate in this year’s presidential election, the newspaper’s publisher announced Friday. “The Washington Post will not be making an endorsement of a presidential candidate in this election. Nor in any future presidential election,” Will Lewis said in a published statement. “We are returning to our roots of not endorsing presidential candidates.”The Post has endorsed a presidential candidate in every election since the 1980s. Trump called the Post “The Fake News Washington Post” and derided it as Amazon’s “chief lobbyist.”Trump directly accused Amazon of not paying enough taxes and taking advantage of the US Postal Service, among other claims.

Persons: “, ” Will Lewis, Lewis, ”, ” Lewis, Jeff Bezos, David Shipley, ” Shipley, Marty Baron, Donald Trump, Bezos, ” Baron, Trump, Amazon’s, ” Trump, Baron, Patrick Soon, Kamala Harris Organizations: New, New York CNN, Washington Post, Amazon, CNN, Bezos, News Washington Post, US Postal Service, Pentagon, Microsoft, Los Angeles Times Locations: New York, Washington

☆ Jeff Bezos killed Washington Post endorsement of Kamala Harris, paper reports
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-25 | by ( Dan Mangan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The Washington Post Building at One Franklin Square Building on June 5, 2024 in Washington, DC. Andrew Harnik | Getty ImagesThe Washington Post said Friday that it will not endorse a candidate in the presidential election this year, breaking decades of tradition, and sparking immediate criticism of the decision. "The decision not to publish was made by The Post's owner — Amazon founder Jeff Bezos," The Post reported, citing two sources briefed on the events. Trump, while president, had been critical of Bezos and The Post. Nor in any future presidential election."

Persons: Andrew Harnik, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Jeff Bezos, Trump, Boris Johnson, Michael M, Will Lewis, Lewis, Mariel Garza, Patrick Soon, Shiong, Garza, Marty Baron, Baron Organizations: Washington Post, Franklin, Democratic, GOP, —, Amazon, Pentagon, Microsoft, Trump, CNBC, British, Santiago, Getty, Post, Los, Columbia, The Locations: Washington , DC, New York City

☆ 'People are furious': Bezos faces a Washington Post revolt after he reportedly blocked the paper from endorsing Harris
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-25 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The paper reported owner Jeff Bezos made the call and that a Harris endorsement was planned. Advertisement"I've seen a lot of angst; people are upset," another Washington Post insider said. The newspaper's editorial guild posted a statement saying Lewis' decision raised concerns that management interfered with the editorial department and readers were canceling their subscriptions. A spokesperson for the Washington Post referred to Lewis' statement and declined to comment on any follow-up questions. Trump has mocked Bezos and the Washington Post, calling him "Jeff Bozo."

Persons: Jeff Bezos, Harris, —, Robert Kagan, Semafor, Donald Trump, Will Lewis, Lewis, y5irP62zFk — Jeffrey Wright 🥜, aron, ears., uzbee Organizations: Service, Washington Post, Washington, ost, ashington Locations: Washington, ashington

☆ The Washington Post and LA Times just stepped into a bigger political mess than the one they tried to avoid
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-25 | by ( Peter Kafka | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The Washington Post's non-endorsement of Donald Trump or Kamala Harris has kicked up controversy. AdvertisementExplaining the non-endorsement decision in LAAt the Los Angeles Times, owner Soon-Shiong posted on Twitter/X on Wednesday trying to explain the paper's non-endorsement. Earlier this summer, the Times' editorial board had already declared that Trump was "patently unfit for office" and "an imminent threat to democracy." "The non-endorsement undermines the integrity of the editorial board and every single endorsement we make, down to school board races. AdvertisementBut no matter what their intentions truly are, the Post and Times' non-endorsements are going to be seen as political statements — no matter what.

Persons: Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, —, it's, Patrick Soon, Jeff Bezos, Will Lewis, Dia Dipasupil, Marty Baron, Donald Trump's, Lewis, Bezos, I've, Shiong, Trump, Mariel Garza, hadn't, Nika Organizations: Washington, LA Times, Service, Los Angeles Times, Post, New York Times, Editorial, Times, Columbia Journalism Locations: New, New York, LA, Gaza

☆ Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post journalists call for leadership change amid publisher scrutiny
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Two Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists at The Washington Post went on the record late Wednesday, calling for leadership change at the storied newspaper as questions swirl over the integrity of its new publisher and chief executive, Will Lewis. “Will Lewis needs to step down for the good of The Post and the public,” Higham replied in a comment on Maraniss’ post. “He has lost the newsroom and will never win it back.”Spokespersons for Bezos and The Post did not immediately comment. Inside The Post’s newsroom, morale has plunged as staffers express alarm over Lewis’ conduct and worries over the future direction of the newspaper under his leadership. “Bezos must recruit an accomplished, experienced editor whom journalists admire and trust.”

Persons: Will Lewis, “, ” David Maraniss, ” Maraniss, Jeff Bezos, Lewis, ” Scott Higham, Maraniss, “ Will Lewis, ” Higham, ”, Lewis ’, Robert Winnett, Rupert Murdoch’s, David Folkenflik, ” Lewis, Bezos, ” Bezos, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Sonnenfeld, Katharine Graham, Ben Bradlee, Marty Baron, ” Sonnenfeld, “ Bezos Organizations: CNN, The Washington Post, The, New York Times, NPR, Post, Yale School of Management

☆ Jeff Bezos is facing a dilemma as ethical questions surrounding The Washington Post publisher grow louder
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

New York CNN —Jeff Bezos has a decision to make — and it is one that will determine the future course of one of the nation’s most prestigious news organizations. Or he can side with his Pulitzer Prize-winning newsroom, which is repudiating their new leader in clear and unmistakable terms. And The Post reported Sunday that a “thief” who used deceptive tactics to obtain private material had ties with Winnett. The stories landed like a one-two punch in The Post newsroom, raising even more alarm and upping the panic level at the newspaper to new heights. When Bezos first appointed Lewis, staffers at The Post understood that he needed to appoint a publisher and chief executive who would shake things up in the newsroom.

Persons: Jeff Bezos, Will Lewis, Lewis, Rupert Murdoch, Sally Buzbee, Murdoch, David Folkenflik, Robert Winnett, ”, Bezos, Fred Ryan, Donald Trump, they’re, we’ve, I’m, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Katharine Graham, Ben Bradlee, Marty Baron, ” Sonnenfeld, “ Bezos Organizations: New York CNN, Washington Post, Fleet Street, CNN, NPR, New York Times, Post, Times, Good, Yale School of Management Locations: New York

☆ Jeff Bezos breaks his silence about turmoil at The Washington Post
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Jeff Bezos, the billionaire owner of The Washington Post, broke his silence Tuesday on the mounting turmoil within his newspaper, expressing support for maintaining high standards at the storied publication as questions swirl over the ethical integrity of its new publisher, Will Lewis. Bezos added in the memo, which was obtained by CNN, that “it can’t be business as usual” at The Post, which has been plagued by financial and audience woes. With your support, we’ll do that and lead this great institution into the future,” Bezos wrote. “But, as the newsroom leaders who’ve been shaping and guiding our coverage, you also know our standards at The Post have always been very high. That can’t change — and it won’t.”“You have my full commitment on maintaining the quality, ethics, and standards we all believe in,” Bezos added.

Persons: Jeff Bezos, Will Lewis, “, ” Bezos, Lewis, Bezos, Carlotta Cardana, ”, Lewis ’, Robert Winnett, Rupert Murdoch’s, David Folkenflik, ” Lewis, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Sonnenfeld, Katharine Graham, Ben Bradlee, Marty Baron, ” Sonnenfeld, “ Bezos Organizations: CNN, The Washington Post, The News, Bloomberg, Getty, New York Times, NPR, Post, Yale School of Management Locations: The, London

☆ Marty Baron takes aim at Fox News, Trump’s ‘authoritarian’ aspirations, and Republicans ‘wreaking havoc on the country’
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Baron’s book comes at a perilous moment for American democracy and the news media tasked with covering its erosion. I think the coverage of the latest chaos has been very good, based on what I’ve read. The party is proving to be ungovernable, and that is wreaking havoc on the country as a whole. I’d like to see substantially more coverage of what a second Trump administration would do upon taking office. If news organizations believe Donald Trump is a threat to democracy and the country’s framework of government, should they remain totally neutral in covering his candidacy?

Persons: CNN — Marty Baron, ” Baron, —, Jeff Bezos, Donald Trump, Baron, Trump, “, Mark Milley, There’s, you’ve, unflinchingly, Robert Menendez, Elon Musk Organizations: CNN, The Washington Post, Trump, THE, Republican Party, Chaos, FBI, DOJ, GOP, NBC, Fox, Dominion, Democratic Party, Democratic, Twitter Locations: THE WASHINGTON, America

☆ Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is playing an increasingly active role in The Washington Post's operations, report says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-22 | by ( John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Jeff Bezos is playing an increasingly active role in operations at The Post, The New York Times says. Bezos has sought to make The Post an international force and has encouraged digital experimentation. Patty Stonesifer, the interim chief executive for The Post, told The Times that Bezos was thrilled with "every dollar invested" in the company. Bezos encouraged digital experimentation when he first bought the newspaper, angling to make The Post into an international powerhouse. After Bezos' initial purchase of The Post, his influence was less visible in the newsroom, according to two individuals who spoke with The Times.

Persons: Jeff Bezos, Bezos, Trump, Patty Stonesifer, Stonesifer, Graham, cratered, Sally Buzbee —, Marty Baron —, Fred Ryan —, —, Sally Quinn, Ben Bradlee, haven't Organizations: The New York Times, Amazon, The Washington Post, Post, The Times, Times, The, Washington Post

☆ Washington Post publisher, CEO Fred Ryan to depart after overseeing growth under Jeff Bezos
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

From left, Washington Post Publisher Fred Ryan, Executive Editor Marty Baron, and National Security Editor Peter Finn, applaud as investigative reporter Tom Hamburger speaks to the newsroom after The Washington Post wins two pulitzer prizes, Monday, April 16, 2018, in Washington. Washington Post publisher and CEO Fred Ryan announced on Monday that he will step down from the helm of the newspaper in August. In a statement, the Washington Post said that it saw multiple years of profitability and a dramatic jump in digital subscriptions under Ryan. Read Fred Ryan's memo to employees here:Subject: Message for Washington Post ColleaguesDear Washington Post Colleagues,Nine years ago, I was honored to be selected by Jeff Bezos to be Publisher and CEO of The Washington Post. Read Jeff Bezos' memo here:Subject: Message for The Washington Post TeamDear Washington Post Team,I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to Fred for his dedicated service to The Washington Post as our Publisher and CEO.

Persons: Fred Ryan, Marty Baron, Peter Finn, Tom Hamburger, Ryan, Jeff Bezos, Ronald Reagan, Jeff, Bezos, Patty Stonesifer, Melinda Gates, Read Fred Ryan's, We've, we've, Fred, Read Jeff Bezos, he's, I'm, She'll, Patty, You'll Organizations: Washington Post, National Security, Washington . Washington Post, Amazon, Foundation, Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, The Washington Post, Innovative Media, Fast Company, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, The Washington Post Team, Washington Post Team Locations: Washington .

☆ VIDEO: Washington Post staffers shouted at the CEO after he announced layoffs but refused to say who will get the boot
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Britney Nguyen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A video shows Washington Post staffers shouting at the company's CEO at a town hall meeting. Gowen said the video is from a colleague, and she took it from the Washington Post Guild's chat. At the town hall, Ryan said job cuts will probably be in the "single-digit percentage." The Washington Post Guild did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment ahead of publication. "The Washington Post is evolving and transforming to put our business in the best position for future growth," Kathy Baird, chief communications officer at The Washington Post, said in a statement on Tuesday.

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