Jeff Bezos Increasingly Involved in Operations at The Washington Post, Says The New York Times
Jeff Bezos, the former chief executive and president of Amazon, has been taking on a more active role in the operations of The Washington Post, the newspaper he purchased a decade ago for $250 million, according to a report by The New York Times. Bezos’ increased involvement comes as the publication faces economic challenges and internal dissent.
While Bezos’ representatives previously kept a close eye on the budget, the billionaire entrepreneur has recently taken a hands-on approach. Despite enjoying a surge in digital subscribers during the Trump administration, with 3 million subscribers and over 1,000 employees as of early 2021, The Post has seen its digital subscriptions dwindle to 2.5 million.
According to individuals familiar with the matter, The Post is projected to lose $100 million this year, and its advertising revenue is also expected to fall short of estimates. However, Patty Stonesifer, the interim chief executive for The Post, insists that Bezos remains enthusiastic about investing in the company. An inside source also revealed that 2023 is set to be a year of increased investment for the newspaper.
Bezos’ influence in the newsroom had been less visible in the years following his acquisition of The Post, but as morale declined, editor Sally Buzbee reached out to the Amazon founder to address the issue. In January, Bezos made a rare visit to the newsroom, attending meetings with journalists to discuss pressing matters, including the impending departure of publisher Fred Ryan.
Bezos has shown a continued commitment to shaping the future of The Post, expressing interest in experimental projects for the opinion section and planning an overhaul of the Style section later this year.
The acquisition of The Post by Bezos in 2013 marked the end of an era for the newspaper, which had been under the stewardship of the Graham family for generations. Bezos initially aimed to transform The Post into an international media powerhouse, encouraging digital experimentation.
Sally Quinn, a longtime journalist at The Post and widow of legendary editor Ben Bradlee, expressed renewed optimism for the newsroom, stating, “There’s a sense of hope, which we haven’t had for a long time.”
As Jeff Bezos continues to assert his influence at The Washington Post, the future of the newspaper hangs in the balance, with Bezos determined to ensure its success and relevance in the digital era.
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This article references the content provided, including information from The New York Times.