Former Post Fact Checker Confronts Bezos: Commit to Paper or Sell It

The Washington Post Faces Uncertain Future Amid Leadership Challenges

The Washington Post, once a cornerstone of American journalism, is now navigating a turbulent period marked by internal struggles and external pressures. According to Glenn Kessler, a former fact-checker at the paper, the publication is in serious trouble, with its billionaire owner, Jeff Bezos, failing to provide the necessary leadership.

Kessler, who worked at the Post for over 27 years before leaving in July, expressed his concerns about the direction of the newspaper. "He has to be committed to it. If he's not committed to it, he should find someone else to own it," Kessler told Fox News Digital. He noted that while Bezos initially seemed committed, he has since become an absentee owner, which is problematic given the paper’s significance as a major asset in American journalism.

Kessler’s departure from the Post was not a decision he made lightly. He accepted a buyout offer after years of observing the paper’s decline. The financial situation at the Post has been dire, with reports indicating it could lose at least $77 million in 2024. These losses have led to buyouts targeting veteran staff to cut costs and avoid more widespread layoffs.

The ex-fact-checker likened the situation at the Post to being on the Titanic after it struck an iceberg. “It's drifting aimlessly as it sinks, with not enough lifeboats for everyone,” he wrote in a piece on his Substack account. Kessler emphasized the need for a clear vision and direction, something he feels is missing from the current leadership.

Bezos has faced criticism from liberals who accuse him of compromising the paper’s editorial independence. His decisions, such as halting the endorsement of Kamala Harris just before the presidential election and launching a new mission for the editorial pages focused on personal liberties and free markets, have sparked backlash among readers and staff alike.

Despite these challenges, Kessler credits Bezos for rescuing the Post when he purchased it in 2013. At that time, the paper was in poor financial shape, and Bezos’s investment helped it grow significantly. However, Kessler believes the Post has since lost its way.

He pointed out that during the first Trump administration, the Post experienced a surge in traffic, reaching levels almost equal to those of The New York Times. Yet, unlike the Times, the Post failed to capitalize on this growth by expanding its portfolio.

Kessler also criticized the management for being “a little dazzled” by the traffic spike and not having a clear strategy moving forward. “I still have no idea what they're trying to do,” he said, adding that the approach seems to be appealing to people who don’t care much about news, offering products that allow them to access information they need.

The Post faces additional challenges, including the rise of new media and the impact of AI on news consumption. Kessler warned that AI could significantly reduce the number of clicks on news sites, making it harder for traditional outlets to thrive.

In response to these challenges, the Post has announced the return of Sara Kehaulani Goo as president of Creator Network, a new position aimed at creating personality-driven content and providing advertisers with access to a new audience. While the paper is attempting to reinvent itself, Kessler remains skeptical about its ability to recover without stronger leadership from Bezos.

The Washington Post spokesperson stated, “The Washington Post is reinventing itself to be a trusted news source for all Americans. That means working hard each day to publish the most accurate news, alongside opinions that resonate across the nation.”

As the Post continues to navigate its uncertain future, the question remains whether it can regain its footing and restore its position as a leading voice in American journalism. For now, the ship appears to be adrift, with no clear plan to steer it back to safer waters.