WASHINGTON.- The Washington Post, one of the best-known newspapers in USA and property of the tycoon Jeff Bezoslost 200 thousand subscribers after the businessman refused to support Kamala HarrisDemocratic presidential candidate.
Unlike Mexicoin the United States there is a tradition of the media giving their public and explicit support to a presidential candidate.
However, last Friday the Post’s editor-in-chief, William Lewisannounced that the media decided to remain neutral and not support Kamala Harris or the Republican candidate Donald Trump.
The Washington Post withdraws support of Kamala Harris
After Lewis’ notice, two journalists published an article in the same The Washington Post in which they allege that the editorial board had already written its letter of support for Kamala Harris, but Jeff Bezos stopped its publication.
This is the first time in decades that the American media does not support the Democratic candidate in the presidential elections.
In the 2020 and 2016 elections, the newspaper supported Joe Biden y Hilary Clintonrespectively, in the elections, both with Donald Trump as the Republican candidate.
The first time the Post endorsed a Democratic candidate was in 1976, with Jimmy Carter. Since then they have supported Democratic candidates, with one exception in 1988.
Lewis denied that Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, had anything to do with the newspaper’s new stance.
The director assured that the reason for the decision is to give a greater image of independence and return to his origins when he did not support candidates.
In this regard, Jeff Bezos defended the decision in an opinion column.
He also owns Amazon He assured that the majority of Americans “believe that the media is biased,” so the decision not to support Kamala Harris or Donald Trump “is the right one.”
“Endorsement for a candidate does nothing to tip the balance in an election.” […] but rather they create a perception of bias,” he wrote.
NEW: Jeff Bezos rips the band-aid off, blasts his own newspaper’s credibility and the victim mentality.
Based.
The statement comes after Bezos refused to allow The Washington Post to make a presidential endorsement.
“Most people believe the media is biased. Anyone who doesn’t… pic.twitter.com/t50KtRkNGi
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 29, 2024
Jeff Bezos loses thousands of Post subscribers
After Bezos’ alleged intervention in the Post’s policy change became known, at least 200,000 users canceled their digital subscriptions.
This represents 8% of its total subscriptions, radio reported NPR.
The wave of cancellations worried the newspaper’s collaborators, some publicly expressed their rejection of the media’s position and asked subscribers not to punish them.
“The Post reporters did not participate in that decision, but when you cancel your subscription you harm us, not the owner,” said the journalist. Caroline Kitchener.
The reporter revealed that even her mother canceled her subscription.
Through social networks and American media it was announced that Post workers have submitted their resignations due to the magnate’s decision to stop public support for Kamala Harris.
Washington Post staff are resigning in protest to Jeff Bezos stopping the newspaper endorsing Kamala Harris.
Thousands of subscribers have also shared that they have unsubscribed from the newspaper.
Whats your reaction? pic.twitter.com/RO3f5EgXlq
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) October 25, 2024
Washington Post Editor at Large, Robert Kagan has resigned. The decision to not officially endorse a presidential candidate came from Jeff Bezos. pic.twitter.com/NThXSNt5F6
— Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) October 25, 2024
Conflict between Bezos and Trump
Given the decision, conflicts resurfaced between Jeff Bezos and Donald Trump, whose newspaper had been very critical since his last administration.
During Trump’s term in 2016, Amazon lost a multimillion-dollar contract with the Pentagonso Bezos sued the former resident for “undue pressure” to harm him.
This situation has led critics to consider that the newspaper’s current decision is due to Bezos’ interest in avoiding another similar confrontation if the re-elected candidate is re-elected.
“Donald Trump will see this as an invitation to further intimidate the owner, Jeff Bezos, and others,” he said. Marty BaronTrump’s director when he was president.
“The lack of character of an institution famous for its bravery is worrying,” he declared.
Congratulations to @JeffBezos on becoming Trump’s bitch.
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) October 25, 2024
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**Interview with Political Media Analyst, Dr. Sarah Jenkins**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Jenkins. Thank you for joining us today. There’s been significant news surrounding The Washington Post and its decision to withdraw support for Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential elections. Can you shed some light on the implications of this move?
**Dr. Jenkins:** Thank you for having me. This decision marks a pivotal shift not only for The Washington Post but potentially for the media landscape in the U.S. Historically, major newspapers like The Washington Post have endorsed Democratic candidates. This break from tradition to remain neutral for both major parties highlights an evolving perception of media bias and independence.
**Editor:** Indeed. With this change, The Washington Post lost approximately 200,000 subscribers. How do you see this affecting their business model going forward?
**Dr. Jenkins:** The loss of 200,000 digital subscribers, which represents about 8% of their total subscriptions, is significant. It suggests that a portion of their audience associates their credibility with their endorsements. If they wish to retain and rebuild their subscriber base, they may need to navigate these waters carefully, balancing editorial independence with audience expectations.
**Editor:** Jeff Bezos, the owner of The Washington Post, stated that most Americans believe the media is biased. Do you think this neutrality can restore trust in the media?
**Dr. Jenkins:** There’s potential for that, but it’s a double-edged sword. While neutrality might attract those who feel disenfranchised by perceived media bias, it may also alienate loyal readers who have relied on The Washington Post’s endorsements in the past. Trust is built on consistency; it will take time to see if this strategy pays off.
**Editor:** Several journalists and staff members have publicly expressed dissent over this decision, with some resigning. What does this internal reaction indicate about the culture at The Washington Post?
**Dr. Jenkins:** It indicates a deep divide within the organization. The resignation of prominent figures like Robert Kagan suggests that this decision is not just a business strategy but also challenges the journalistic values that many believe define The Washington Post. When journalists feel that editorial decisions compromise their integrity, it can lead to a loss of morale and trust internally, which ultimately affects the quality of reporting.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Jenkins, for your insights on this evolving story. The implications of The Washington Post’s decision will be interesting to monitor as the election approaches.
**Dr. Jenkins:** My pleasure. It’s an important moment for journalism, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.
