The first time I met Jeff Bezos, Amazon was a fledgling online bookstore, and he was remarkably accessible. The New York Times Magazine labeled him a “political genius,” a “brilliant, charming, hyper, and misleadingly goofy mastermind.” By 1999, he’d silenced the doubters and was crowned Time’s Person of the Year, a testament to his audacious vision.
Years later, as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, Bezos invested $250 million of his own fortune to acquire The Washington Post from the Graham family. Now, it’s time for him to step away, to recognize when a chapter has reached its conclusion.
This isn’t the same media landscape, and it’s a vastly different Bezos. He’s now comfortable with drastic measures, including significant staff reductions. A commitment to readers, once publicly stated, seems to have faded as other priorities emerged.
The shift is particularly stark given Bezos’s evolving relationship with political figures. With Blue Origin securing federal contracts, and a $1 million donation to a presidential inauguration, a clear attempt to mend fences is underway.
Having dedicated 29 years to The Post – working alongside legends like Bob Woodward, and serving as a Justice Department reporter and bureau chief – I’ve witnessed its evolution firsthand. It was a powerhouse, a beacon of investigative journalism.
In the 1980s and 90s, The Post, though smaller than the New York Times, consistently broke major stories across all sections – politics, sports, metro, and the vibrant Style section. It was a place where narrative writing flourished.
This was the newspaper that relentlessly pursued the truth during Watergate, ultimately contributing to the downfall of Richard Nixon. It defied the administration to publish the Pentagon Papers, exposing the realities of the Vietnam War. It was the era of Ben Bradlee, a legendary editor whose retirement I covered.
The paper’s impact extended beyond the newsroom, captivating the public and inspiring aspiring journalists through films like “All the President’s Men” and “The Post.” It represented a golden age of American journalism.
The recent firing of 300 journalists, including seasoned reporters covering the war in Ukraine and veterans with decades of service, marks the completion of a devastating decline. The Post is now a shadow of its former self.
Bezos appears indifferent, seemingly losing interest in a property that once promised to enhance his public image. His focus has clearly shifted to his space exploration company, Blue Origin. The Post has become a minor consideration.
While expecting perpetual subsidization isn’t realistic, the current situation has drawn widespread criticism. Commentators have labeled it a “murder” and a “gutless” act, highlighting the damage to the paper’s reputation.
Even former colleagues, like Marty Baron and David Maraniss, have expressed dismay, suggesting Bezos initially sought credibility through ownership, but lost sight of the paper’s core values as circumstances changed.
The struggles of newspapers are well-documented, with the decline of traditional revenue streams and the rise of digital news sources. Over a quarter of American newspapers have closed in the last two decades, including my former paper, The Washington Star.
However, The Post’s failure is a particularly poignant case study in adapting to the digital age. Katharine Graham, the previous publisher, recognized the challenges, but the Bezos era saw a series of cutbacks that ultimately diminished the product.
Initially, Bezos adopted a hands-off approach, but a dramatic shift occurred in 2024. A planned endorsement of a political candidate was abruptly canceled, triggering a wave of subscription cancellations and public outrage.
Further restrictions were imposed on the editorial pages, prioritizing specific ideologies and stifling diverse viewpoints. This led to the resignation of key editors and columnists, further eroding the paper’s credibility.
Simultaneously, Bezos was seen socializing with figures he previously criticized, attending high-profile events and enjoying a lavish lifestyle. His personal life became tabloid fodder, with scandalous details publicly revealed.
His wealth has continued to soar – a staggering $224 billion increase since acquiring The Post – raising the question of why he continues to hold onto a struggling asset. The headaches simply aren’t worth the return.
It’s time to find a new owner, someone with a genuine commitment to revitalizing The Washington Post. Though, realistically, the damage may be irreversible. The opportunity for a true turnaround may have passed.
The recent decision to eliminate the sports section, coupled with a CEO’s dismissive handling of the layoffs, exemplifies the current disregard for the paper’s legacy. Even basic coverage of the internal upheaval was prohibited.
This is a far cry from the days when The Post would have thoroughly examined such a significant journalistic crisis. It’s a stark reminder of how much has been lost, and how quickly a once-great institution can be diminished.
