Billionaire Jeff Bezos announced changes to The Washington Post opinion section, shifting its focus to “personal liberties and free markets”—a move that prompted the resignation of editorial page editor David Shipley. Bezos, in a note to staff, argued that broad-based opinion sections are obsolete in the internet era, stating that opposing views should be published elsewhere.
The decision follows Bezos’s controversial 2024 move to block an endorsement of Kamala Harris, which led to 250,000 canceled subscriptions and resignations from editorial board members. Critics argue his increasing influence over the paper marks a departure from traditional editorial independence.
Bezos defended the shift, stating, “I am of America and for America, and proud to be so. Our country did not get here by being typical. And a big part of America’s success has been freedom in the economic realm and everywhere else. Freedom is ethical — it minimizes coercion — and practical — it drives creativity, invention, and prosperity.”
His move mirrors trends in billionaire-owned media, such as Elon Musk’s changes to X, which were framed as promoting free speech but resulted in ideological shifts in content moderation. Musk praised Bezos’s decision, calling it “Bravo”.
Post economics reporter Jeff Stein called the move a “massive encroachment” into the opinion section, but noted he has not yet seen interference in news coverage.
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